By Peter John
A Nairobi courtroom was filled with emotion after some parents of the seven university students linked to the death of their colleague, Lorna Kathambi Karani, broke down while addressing their children.
The tension-filled session unfolded after Investigating Officer Johnes Nyangige informed Milimani Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego that his probe had been concluded and that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had recommended an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Kathambi’s death.
Following the update, Magistrate Alego directed the students—Kariuki Gitonga, Louis Osiro, Lucy Mora, Ali Kibwana, Precious Mutembei, Austin Ochieng, and Wendy Kerubo—to speak with their parents and offer an apology.
The parents were also invited to address their children, prompting a deeply emotional exchange.
Some parents could not contain their tears as they questioned why their children had chosen partying and alcohol over their studies.
The mother of third respondent Lucy Mora expressed her heartbreak, saying she had hoped her daughter would make headlines for positive reasons—not for being arraigned in court.
“Lucy, I brought you to school to study. I dreamt of seeing you in the newspapers for good things, not for something that shamed me,” she said.
She went on to question the group’s drinking habits, wondering what value alcohol had brought into their lives.
She lamented that instead of focusing on their education, the students had ended up behind bars for a week, forced to reflect on their decisions.
The parent further shared the pain of having to appear in court for the first time because of their children’s irresponsible choices.
She urged them to change course, reminding them that academic certificates are earned through hard work—not reckless behaviour.
She advised the students to choose better friends and a better path in life, insisting that alcohol and partying would only derail their futures.
She also encouraged them to seek spiritual guidance.
“Go to church and learn about forgiveness. If you had not been drunk, you would not be here,” she told the students.
Other parents echoed her sentiments, apologising for their children’s conduct and conveying their condolences to the family of the late Kathambi.
