Cecilia Achieng: A party, a drink, a life lost . A wake-up call for Nairobi’s youth

Cecilia Achieng, fondly known as Cess on TikTok, was full of life, just months out of university, and ready to take on the world. Her vibrant videos made her a star online, but behind the camera, her story ended tragically one night, a night that started like so many others in Nairobi’s party scene.

According to the driver called to take her home, Cecilia had been heavily intoxicated. She argued, resisted guidance, and eventually left the cab to walk along a busy highway. That decision cost her life. A car hit her, and the young woman with dreams, laughter, and energy was gone.

Cecilia’s death is more than a personal tragedy, it’s a reflection of a lifestyle that has become all too common for Nairobi’s youth. Drinking is normalized, partying is glorified, and the line between fun and danger is often blurred. It’s a reality where one night can erase a lifetime of dreams.

Cecilia could have been you, your friend, your sibling. One more drink, one more party, one moment of ignoring caution and everything can change. Social media, parties, and peer pressure can make risky behavior feel normal, but the consequences are real and irreversible.

For young people, this is a wake-up call: your choices matter, your life matters. For parents, it’s a reminder that conversations about alcohol, peer pressure, and safety are more urgent than ever, even for those who seem grown and independent.

Cecilia’s life was cut short, but her story can save others. Let it remind all of us: the party may end, but the consequences last forever.