A devastated family and a concerned politician halfway across the world are demanding answers after a young Kenyan student died falling from a high-rise building in the centre of Sydney. Sheila Chebii, 25, died on May 17 after being found unresponsive on a fourth-floor balcony at Meriton Suites on Sussex Street.
Chebii had arrived in Australia just weeks before her death, flying into Sydney on April 5. She was working at the 32-floor Meriton as a housekeeper when she was found unresponsive on the balcony at 1:30 pm on May 17. Staff attempted CPR before emergency services arrived, but the young woman could sadly not be saved.
Police Investigation and CCTV Evidence
Police have CCTV of Chebii in her final moments as she entered a room in the hotel, with the investigation initially finding evidence to suggest the incident was a matter of self-harm. In a statement, NSW Police said “there is no evidence to indicate anyone else is involved” and are continuing to prepare a report for the coroner and investigate if SafeWork NSW needed to become involved.
“Detectives have conducted extensive inquiries into the incident,” NSW Police said. “As per standard procedure, this has involved securing statements from witnesses and other people relevant to the investigation, as well as collating and viewing CCTV from within and without the building.”
Family Grief and Kenyan Political Outrage
With her next of kin in Kenya, there was a time delay between Chebii’s death and when police were able to contact her family and provide details of the investigation. During that time, family over in Kenya became increasingly upset, calling for action from their elected representatives.
One MP in Kenya went as far as demanding in the nation’s parliament for authorities to complete a “thorough investigation” into the 25-year-old’s death. “Sheila left Kenya on April 4, 2026. Barely two months after, she was found dead,” said National Assembly member Timothy Toroitich. “This is a young lady who was carrying the dreams and aspirations of her family. So far, there has been no major truth on the death of Sheila...as the government, we have an obligation to protect the lives of our young people.”
High Commission Involvement and Family Arrival
Outrage over her death was escalated to Kenya’s High Commission with a group marching to the residence in Canberra to demand action. “The High Commission is aware of concerns raised by members of the Kenyan community regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the commission said in a statement on May 25. “In this regard, the Mission is actively engaged with the relevant Australian authorities.”
Since the march on Kenya’s High Commission and the comments from Toroitich, Chebii’s family has arrived in Australia to witness the footage from the hotel. A GoFundMe has also been set up, asking for help to bring her home to Kenya. “Her sudden passing has left the family devastated emotionally and facing significant financial strain as they navigate this painful loss from afar,” the page reads. “The family is currently working through ongoing legal and official processes, including awaiting the Coroner’s report to help clarify the circumstances surrounding her passing.”
Ongoing Investigation and Statements
Police reiterated it was still finalising its investigation into Chebii’s death. “Once the NSW Police report has been finalised, it will be presented to the NSW Coroner who will determine if an inquest will be held,” NSW Police said. “NSW Police continue to liaise with the woman’s family as well as consulate staff and are keeping them apprised of the status of the investigation.”
Meriton also issued a statement, saying it was leaving the investigation up to police. “Meriton was very saddened to hear about this unfortunate incident. We take such matters seriously and give priority to ensuring that these matters are adequately investigated by NSW Police,” the accommodation giant said. “We have been informed that NSW Police is treating this incident as a self-harm incident. Our own inquiries reveal that the person who was involved in this tragic incident was the employee of a subcontractor responsible for cleaning services at one of our hotels.”
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