Emotions ran high in court as the parents of seven university students accused in the death of Daystar University student, Lorna Kathambi, 23, were asked to speak to their children.
Lorna died after a night of partying with friends at Harmony Plaza Apartments in Ngara, Nairobi. She was later found on the ground floor with serious injuries and pronounced dead on Sunday morning.
Seven students who were with her that night were arrested and presented in court. They are: Loise Osiro, Dennis Kariuki Gitonga, Precious Kendi Mutembei, Lucy Mora, Ali Kibwana Kamaku, Austin Ochieng, and Wendy Kerubo.
In court, one mother broke down in tears while addressing her son.
“As a parent, I do not want to be here,” she cried.
“Now his little brother is asking me what Ali did. It hurts so much. Sometimes, these kids really embarrass us. I cannot even walk comfortably because I fell ill the moment I was informed of this issue.”
She said she never imagined her son would be involved in such a case, insisting he had never been a troublesome child.
Loise’s father also spoke. He urged his child to reflect on the Lorna Kathambi situation seriously.
“It is unfortunate that someone lost her life, something that could have been avoided. We really need to do some soul-searching and change the way we approach life.”
The magistrate, visibly moved by the emotional scene, said the students needed counselling. She also noted they should face the family of Lorna Kathambi and understand the weight of the tragedy.
As she put it:
“I feel the pain these parents are going through. Their lives have changed forever.”
Earlier, a security guard reported that the group had been partying on the 12th floor of the building. They were warned to keep the noise down. Some left briefly around 4:10 a.m., then returned. Soon after, a loud bang was heard. The guard rushed out and found Lorna’s body.
Police believe the seven suspects were with her for most of the night. It is still unclear whether Lorna slipped or was pushed. Investigations are ongoing.
Lorna’s family continues to seek answers and justice for their daughter.
By Vivian K.