Kenyans in Australia Criticise Embassy Response After Sheila Chebii’s Death

The death of 25-year-old Sheila Chebii in Sydney has prompted criticism from Kenyans in Australia, who say the Kenya High Commission in Canberra was slow to respond and failed to communicate clearly with the public.

Chebii had moved to Australia only weeks earlier in search of work opportunities. She reportedly fell from the 19th floor of a hotel building where she was employed. Her family has questioned the circumstances surrounding her death, saying her injuries did not appear consistent with such a fall.

In a statement issued on 25 May, the Kenya High Commission said it was working with Australian authorities to establish the facts. The Mission expressed condolences to Chebii’s family and said updates would be provided once verified information became available. It also urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.

The statement was released eight days after Chebii’s death, prompting criticism from members of the Kenyan diaspora. Many accused Ambassador Dr Wilson Kogo and the High Commission of failing to respond with urgency or transparency.

Criticism intensified on social media, where Kenyans questioned what they described as “eight days of silence” from the Mission. 

Some also raised concerns about the absence of official signatures on the statement and asked why Chebii’s employer had not issued a public response.

Several members of the diaspora claimed the High Commission acted only after pressure increased ahead of a planned peaceful demonstration outside the Mission in Canberra on 26 May.

Diaspora figures including Nanjira Damaris, Nyambura Nyambura and Gerard Kimuge criticised the embassy for not providing timely updates. Others, among them Elijah Mutai and Nehemiah Kiptoo Cheremei, described the statement as inadequate and lacking empathy. Some also questioned the authenticity of the communication because it did not contain formal authentication.

The incident has renewed debate over the responsibility of Kenyan diplomatic missions to support citizens abroad during emergencies. For many Kenyans living in Australia, the High Commission’s response added to feelings of frustration and neglect during a period of mourning.

As investigations into Chebii’s death continue, members of the diaspora say they will continue demanding accountability, transparency and regular communication from Kenyan officials.