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Aussie teacher shot dead in Kenya may have been targeted, says lawyer

The lawyer of Australian teacher Gabrielle Maina has urged authorities to keep investigating why the mother-of-two was shot dead in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.

The NSW teacher was shot in the exclusive suburb of Karen on Thursday during what was believed to be a botched robbery reportedly involving assailants on motorbikes.

"It is important for them (Department of Foreign Affairs) to keep on pushing until it is certain as to what caused her death," Ms Maina's lawyer told ABC Radio on Sunday.

However, it's possible the shooting was targeted with Ms Maina's lawyer telling the ABC she was kneeling during the shooting.

The lawyer of Australian teacher Gabrielle Maina has urged authorities to keep investigating. Photo: 7 News
The lawyer of Australian teacher Gabrielle Maina has urged authorities to keep investigating. Photo: 7 News

"The shooting happened when she was kneeling and someone was standing," the lawyer said.

It's believed Ms Maina, originally from Armidale, had just dropped off her son at a friend's home.

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Security company Insight Secure, which monitors local incidents, said a caucasian woman was killed by "unidentified assailants" and "a 9mm cartridge was recovered at the crime scene", Fairfax Media reports.

The Kenya high commission in Canberra said investigations were underway in Nairobi.

The NSW teacher was shot in the exclusive suburb of Karen on Thursday. Photo: 7 News
The NSW teacher was shot in the exclusive suburb of Karen on Thursday. Photo: 7 News

Her cousin Annabel Smith says her family has been left in shock.

"My heart is broken especially for your Mum, brother and your gorgeous little boys who now have to grow up without their Mumma," she wrote on Facebook.

"I wish I could just see you one last time and tell you how amazing you are, what a wonderful Mum you are".

Before moving to Nairobi in 2015, where Ms Maina was head teacher at the elite Hillcrest Preparatory School, she taught English and drama for almost five years at Sarah Redfern High School in southwest Sydney.

Both schools sent out statements expressing their shock and condolences.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull paid tribute, saying "our prayers and love and condolences go out to her family and loved ones".

It's believed Ms Maina, originally from Armidale, had just dropped off her son at a friend's home. Photo: 7 News
It's believed Ms Maina, originally from Armidale, had just dropped off her son at a friend's home. Photo: 7 News