Seven university students arrested in connection with the death of a Daystar University student will remain in custody for an additional seven days to allow police to complete investigations.
Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego granted an application by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), allowing officers seven more days instead of the 10 initially sought. The court ruled that seven days were sufficient to wrap up the probe.
The suspects — Dennis Kariuki Gitonga, Louis Osiro, Lucy Mora, Ali Kibwana Kamaku, Precious Kendi Mutembei, Austin Ochieng, and Wendy Kerubo — are students drawn from several Nairobi universities, including Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Mount Kenya University, Technical University of Kenya, and KCA University.
Arrests Made in Ngara
Investigating Officer Johnes Nyanginge told the court that the seven were arrested on 23 November 2025 within the Ngara area.
In an affidavit, CPL Nyanginge said the matter was reported by Patrick Mbugua, a security guard at Harmony Plaza, where the incident occurred.
According to the guard, at around 2:30 am, a group of six university students went to room K78 on the 12th floor, where they began partying — shouting, singing and playing guitar.
“The security guard went and ordered them to stop, and they obeyed,” the officer stated.
Incident Leading to Death
At about 4:00 am, four members of the group reportedly left the premises and later returned.
The guard questioned Gitonga — a tenant residing in room L75 on the 11th floor — who confirmed they were his visitors. He warned the group against causing further disturbance.
They then proceeded to the lift. Moments later, the guard heard a loud bang.
When he rushed to investigate, he found the body of 23-year-old Lorna Kathambi Karani, a fourth-year Daystar University student, lying on the ground floor.
Police responding to the scene observed head injuries and suspected foul play, indicating the victim may have been murdered.
Police Oppose Release Over Flight Risk
Investigators pleaded with the court to detain the suspects further, arguing that releasing them would compromise the investigation. They said the seven pose a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.
The probe into the circumstances surrounding Karani’s death is ongoing.