Mystery surrounds death of Kenyan student Sheila Chebii in Australia

Sheila Jepkorir Chebii travelled to Sydney on April 5 with a degree from Kabarak University, a CPA(K) qualification in progress, and plans to become an international financial consultant. Six weeks later, she was dead.

The 26-year-old from Kimumu, Eldoret, died on May 17 under circumstances her family says remain frustratingly unclear. Preliminary information suggests she may have suffered a fatal fall while on duty, though Australian authorities have not confirmed the details. Her father, Samuel Kiptanui Chebii, a retired teacher, said the family is struggling to understand what happened to their daughter, the fourth of five children.

'We need answers'

Samuel Chebii has called on Australian authorities to conduct a full investigation, including a review of CCTV footage and workplace safety procedures. The family has also appealed to the Kenyan embassy in Australia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide diplomatic support and ensure transparency during the investigation. An autopsy is expected after preliminary police inquiries are completed.

Sheila had left Kenya through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with dreams of building a career that would lift her family and community in Sambirir, Marakwet East. She graduated from Kabarak University in 2024 with a degree in accounting and had been working toward her chartered accountant certification before deciding to pursue postgraduate studies abroad.

Community mourns

In Kobil village, relatives, neighbours, and friends have gathered at the family home to offer support. Tributes have poured in on social media from Kenyans in Kenya and abroad, many describing Sheila as hardworking, ambitious, and full of promise. Members of the Kenyan community in Sydney have joined the family in offering assistance as funeral preparations begin.

The case has also highlighted the difficulties families face when a loved one dies overseas. Repatriation arrangements, funeral planning, and the distance from home often add to the emotional strain during mourning. Her death reflects the hopes and risks of young Kenyans who relocate abroad to build better futures, only to have those dreams cut short.

“"She had left Kenya in early April 2026 with plans to build a career as an international financial consultant."”

What comes next

The family is awaiting the results of the police investigation and the autopsy. They have made clear they will not rest until they have a full accounting of what happened to their daughter in the weeks between her arrival in Australia and her death. The Kenyan embassy in Australia has been urged to ensure the investigation is thorough and transparent, and that the family receives the support they need to bring Sheila home.

Reporting drawn from Mwakilishi, Mwakilishi, Samrack Media.