The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that a public inquest be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of Daystar University student Lonah Kathambi, who fell from the 11th floor of Harmony Plaza in Ngara, Nairobi.
The decision follows the presentation of CCTV footage and a toxicology report by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), capturing Lonah’s final moments before the fatal fall.
Investigating officer Johannes Nyangige informed Senior Resident Magistrate Dolphina Arego that the deceased was in the company of her friend Austin Ochieng moments before the incident. According to the officer, the two attempted to jump from one wing of the building to another. Ochieng managed to cross safely, but Lonah slipped, fell, and died on the spot.
The officer also revealed that the toxicology analysis showed Lonah was highly intoxicated at the time of her death.
The State has further recommended that the seven university students who were partying with Lonah on the night of the incident be treated as state witnesses during the inquest. They include Dennis Kariuki Gitonga, Loise Osilo, Lucy Moraa, Ali Kibwana Kamaku, Precious Kendi Mutembei, and Wendi Kerubo.
The seven had earlier been detained for seven days as investigators pieced together the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
The matter will now proceed through the public inquest process, where the court will examine witnesses and evidence to determine what transpired and whether any criminal liability arises.
