Magistrate Questions Students Over Alcohol Use in Lorna Karani Death Case

A Nairobi court session took an unexpected turn when Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego challenged seven university students to explain the “benefits of alcohol” during their detention hearing linked to the death of Daystar University student Lorna Kathambi Karani. The students, identified as Dennis Kariuki Gitonga, Louis Osiro, Lucy Mora, Ali Kabwana Kamaku, Precious Kendi Mutembei, Austin Ochieng, and Wendy Kerubo, appeared at the Milimani Law Courts after police requested more time to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 23-year-old’s death.

According to an affidavit filed by DCI Corporal Johnes Nyangige, Karani’s body was discovered on the ground floor of Harmony Plaza Apartments in Ngara on November 23. Investigators reported that she had been in the company of the students throughout the night. The group was said to have been intoxicated when they arrived at the building and were heard singing and playing a guitar on the 12th floor. A loud bang was later reported shortly after four of the students briefly left and returned to the building. A security guard found Karani’s body with visible injuries, and officers recovered items believed to be hers inside Gitonga’s apartment.

Why Did the Magistrate Challenge the Students About Alcohol?

As police sought ten days to gather CCTV footage, analyse call data, record statements and await postmortem results, Magistrate Alego paused the legal exchanges to address the young suspects directly. She asked them to explain what they believed alcohol added to their lives in light of the events of that night. Some admitted that alcohol offered no benefit, while others denied taking any drinks at all.

The magistrate then invited the students’ parents to contribute, opening the door to emotional expressions of disappointment and concern. Their remarks also acknowledged the deep grief facing the family of the late Karani. Alego encouraged the students to reflect on their behaviour and apologise to their parents for the distress caused.

Although the magistrate indicated she would deliver formal directions after reviewing the case in private, the court has granted police seven days to continue holding the suspects at Parklands Police Station as investigations continue. The decision allows detectives additional time to consolidate evidence that may clarify the events leading to Karani’s death.

The case remains under active investigation, with the court urging accountability, responsibility and reflection from the young people involved.

By Lucky Anyanje