"Tell us the benefits of Alcohol," - Magistrate lectures students during hearing of Daystar University student's death after a night of heavy drinking

Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego challenged seven university students to explain the benefits of alcohol as they appeared in court over the death of Daystar University student, Lorna Kathambi Karani.

The dramatic exchange unfolded during their detention hearing at the Milimani Law Courts.

The seven - Dennis Kariuki Gitonga, Louis Osiro, Lucy Mora, Ali Kabwana Kamaku, Precious Kendi Mutembei, Austin Ochieng and Wendy Kerubo - were presented after police sought more time to investigate the circumstances surrounding Karani’s death.

Karani, 23, was discovered on the ground floor of Harmony Plaza apartments in Ngara on November 23^rd.

According to an affidavit filed by DCI Corporal Johnes Nyangige, she had spent the night with the group.

Witnesses reported hearing the students, seemingly intoxicated and singing on the 12^th floor.

Shortly after some left and returned, a loud bang was heard.

A security guard later found Karani’s body with visible head injuries, while investigators recovered items believed to be hers inside Gitonga’s apartment.

As detectives requested 10 days to gather CCTV footage, phone data, and autopsy results, Magistrate Alego interrupted proceedings with a personal appeal.

“This is off the record; as a mother, I want each of you to tell us the benefits of alcohol,” she said.

Some admitted alcohol offered no benefit, while others claimed sobriety.

Parents were then invited to speak, offering emotional testimonies of shock and disappointment.

One father recalled his son’s promise to quit drinking, saying, “Dad, hii mambo ya pombe nimeacha.”

The court later granted police seven days to detain the suspects at Parklands Police Station as investigations continue.

The Kenyan DAILY POST