Seven Daystar University students who had been detained over the death of their colleague Lorna Kathambi Karani have been freed after new CCTV footage revealed how the tragedy occurred.
The recordings, shown at Milimani Law Courts, indicated that Karani fell while trying to jump from one balcony to another during a party.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) told the court that the investigation is complete and that the matter will now be handled through a public inquest. The seven students will serve as witnesses in the process.
Those released, Dennis Kariuki Gitonga, Louis Osiro, Lucy Mora, Ali Kabwana Kamaku, Precious Kendi Mutembei, Austin Ochieng, and Wendy Kerubo, had been held in connection with the death of the 23-year-old, whose body was found on the ground floor of Harmony Plaza Apartments in Ngara on November 23.
According to an affidavit by DCI Corporal Johnes Nyangige, Karani had spent the night with the group, who were reportedly intoxicated when they arrived at the apartment.
Residents said they could hear the students singing and playing guitar on the 12th floor. A loud noise was reported shortly after four of the students briefly left and returned to the apartment, after which a security guard discovered Karani’s body on the ground floor.
Investigators later found items believed to belong to her in Gitonga’s apartment.
Police had requested ten more days to collect additional CCTV footage, examine phone records, record further statements, and await the autopsy report.
During the proceedings, Magistrate Dolphina Alego directed attention to the students’ welfare, asking them to consider how it felt to spend a week without alcohol.
Some students admitted that alcohol had negatively impacted their lives, while others denied drinking.
The magistrate then invited their parents to speak, prompting emotional remarks about disappointment and concern, particularly given the loss suffered by Karani’s family.
Magistrate Alego urged the students to reflect on their actions and the distress caused to both their families and Karani’s family.
After reviewing the case documents, the court concluded the matter and ordered the immediate release of the seven students.
