"We have tried everything": Mother painfully scolds son in court during Lorna Kathambi's death hearing

"We have tried everything": Mother painfullly scolds son in court during Lorna Kathambi's death hearing

A mother's anguished plea to her son dominated proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts, as seven university students previously detained over the death of their friend were released following fresh evidence.

Standing before the magistrate, the mother of student Austin Ochieng openly rebuked him, lamenting his repeated run-ins linked to alcohol and drug use.

"This one, Austin, we have done everything to help him. He apologises, but a few days later, he is in trouble again. How many times have we been called because he was high on drugs or drunk? He has even gone to rehab and returned to the same behaviour. His apologies are not sincere. Your honour, Austin has shown that he cannot live on his own. Let him come home. Austin, you are coming home."

Her remarks came after Magistrate Dolphine Alego invited parents to address the court, urging the students, who had spent seven days in custody, to reflect on their relationship with alcohol after some admitted it had negatively affected their lives.

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- Robert SFDC (@robert_adero) December 3, 2025

The group, Dennis Kariuki Gitonga, Loise Osiro, Lucy Mora, Ali Kibwana Kamaku, Precious Kendi Mutembei, Austin Ochieng and Wendy Kerubo, had been held following Lorna Kathambi's death, initially treated as suspects.

However, new CCTV footage shows the young woman fell while attempting to jump between balconies at an apartment building where the group had been partying.

According to an affidavit by DCI Corporal Johnes Nyangige, residents had reported loud party noises from the 12th-floor unit that night, and the students arrived at the premises already intoxicated.

With the new evidence, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions recommended that no murder charges be filed.

Instead, the matter will proceed as a public inquest, where the seven will testify as state witnesses rather than accused persons.

The case has revived concern over rising incidents of deaths involving young adults linked to parties, alcohol and Airbnb gatherings, a trend the court noted as it urged parents to enforce discipline, especially during the long holiday.

The inquest is scheduled to begin on December 9, 2025.