Detectives in Nairobi have detained seven university students as they work to uncover what happened before the death of 23-year-old Daystar University student Lorna Kathambi Karani, who fell from an apartment block in Ngara after a late-night gathering. The group was inside the house with her moments before she went over the edge, raising urgent questions that investigators say must be answered through a careful and detailed probe.
A court has given the Directorate of Criminal Investigations a week to hold the seven as officers complete forensic tests and take more statements. Detectives say this period is vital because they need to secure evidence, speak to additional witnesses and examine the apartment where the students had met earlier that night.
Neighbours and security guards described the gathering as loud, saying they heard “loud noise before a big bang.” Their accounts pushed several residents to step outside, where they found Lorna’s body on the ground. Police say most early witness reports match, helping them build a clear picture of what may have unfolded before she fell.
Inside the house, officers recovered her clothes, phone and identification documents. According to the investigators, these items confirm she had been in the apartment shortly before her death. They believe the discovery adds weight to concerns that the moments leading to her fall need closer examination.
Detectives say they are handling the matter as suspicious and note they “have not ruled out foul play.” Officers working on the case say the fall does not look accidental at first inspection and could have followed an argument or a period of distress, though they add that the probe is still at an early stage.
The seven students, who are said to be part of the same social circle, were taken in soon after the incident. Investigators argue that keeping them in custody will stop possible interference with evidence while forensic teams assess fingerprints, DNA traces, alcohol levels and the apartment layout. Police are also going through phone conversations among the group to understand their movements and interactions before the fall.
Security guards on duty have already given their accounts. One guard said he heard a strange commotion and then a sudden “big bang,” which he later understood to be the moment Lorna hit the ground. Residents who rushed outside called for help, but she was confirmed dead at the scene.
Detectives say they are working to verify the timeline of events provided by the students, noting that several gave conflicting explanations during early questioning. Officers are also speaking to neighbours on different floors to find out if there were any earlier cries, arguments or signs of trouble coming from the apartment.
The investigation now includes examining the balcony and window structures, checking the building’s CCTV system and assessing whether the victim had marks that could show signs of a struggle. All results, officers say, will be presented to court once the seven-day detention order ends.
As the inquiry moves ahead, the agency is asking for patience and says the death of the young student must be handled with care. Detectives insist they will look at every angle to establish how and why Lorna lost her life.
