On 5 July 1969, a routine Saturday afternoon in Nairobi’s city centre turned into one of Kenya’s most defining political tragedies, unfolding at Chhani’s Chemist on Government Road, now Moi Avenue, where Mrs Sehmi was on duty.
Chhani’s Chemist, operated by Mrs Sehmi and her family, was normally closed early on Saturdays.
However, on this particular day, she agreed to remain open longer after receiving a call from a regular customer, Tom Mboya, who reportedly requested a bottle of Alpa Kerry lotion for a skin condition.
His scheduled stop meant the shop stayed open beyond its usual hours.
Shortly after midday, Mboya arrived in the city centre, driving his white Mercedes Benz with a ministerial flag.
As he stepped out of his vehicle, he briefly exchanged greetings with acquaintances in the area before proceeding toward the chemist.
He then entered Chhani’s Chemist, where Mrs Sehmi attended to him in what was described as a routine and familiar interaction.
Inside the shop, she served him the requested item and, according to accounts linked to her recollections, briefly engaged him in light conversation as he prepared to leave.
Mboya, a well-known figure in the establishment, was treated as a valued customer.
Moments later, as he reached the doorway, shots were fired outside the shop. The attack was sudden. Mboya, who had just stepped out, was struck and collapsed back toward the entrance.
Mrs Sehmi and others inside the pharmacy were thrown into immediate confusion as the scene unfolded at the threshold of her business.
Witness accounts indicate that Mboya was quickly pulled back into the shop area, where attempts were made to assist him. Mrs Sehmi reacted instinctively, offering immediate help and calling for medical support.
A family acquaintance, Dr Rafiq Chaudhry, is reported to have arrived soon after and assisted in providing emergency attention.
Contrary to some accounts that suggest he died inside the pharmacy, historical records show that Mboya was rushed from the scene and died shortly after while being transported to hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
Over the years, Mrs Sehmi’s role has remained closely tied to the memory of that day, as her shop became the immediate backdrop to the assassination that shocked the nation.
The emotional toll on those present, particularly her, has often been noted in recollections of the incident, including her inability in that moment to contact Mboya’s family.
The events at Chhani’s Chemist remain etched in Kenya’s history as the sudden intersection of ordinary routine and national tragedy at a single doorway on Moi Avenue.