Lorna Kathambi Karani’s death has now been confirmed as a tragic accident. The 23-year-old was a final-year BSc Economics student at Daystar University. She fell while trying to jump from one balcony to another. A security guard later found her body on the ground floor of Harmony Plaza Apartments in Ngara. She had spent the night with friends at a small party. Residents recalled hearing singing and guitar music from the 12th floor.
Investigators then reviewed CCTV footage to clarify the events leading to Lorna Kathambi Karani’s death. They held seven students in connection with the incident: Dennis Kariuki Gitonga, Louis Osiro, Lucy Mora, Ali Kabwana Kamaku, Precious Kendi Mutembei, Austin Ochieng, and Wendy Kerubo.
Later, new footage was presented at the Milimani Law Courts. It showed Lorna falling as she attempted to leap between balconies. As a result, the court ordered the release of all seven students. They will now appear as witnesses in a public inquest. During the session, Magistrate Dolphina Alego urged them to reflect on their alcohol use and the distress the incident caused their families.
The university dean described Lorna as a disciplined student. She was raised by a single father who said the loss is unbearable. Her passing leaves her family and the Daystar community in deep sorrow.
In the end, the case of Lorna Kathambi Karani’s death reminds us of life’s fragility and the dangers tied to reckless behavior and alcohol abuse.
