Mother Breaks Down in Court Over Son’s Alcohol Struggles Amid Student Death Inquiry
An emotional moment unfolded at Milimani Law Courts as the mother of Austin Ochieng tearfully revealed the long-standing struggles her son has faced with alcoholism, and her repeated, unsuccessful attempts to help him reform. Her remarks came during proceedings related to the tragic death of Daystar University student Lorna Kathambi Karani.
Speaking to the court, Austin’s mother said,
“It is unfortunate that someone had to die because of bad choices these kids make. Huyu Austin, we have given up. We have done everything we can. Right now he says he is sorry, but I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. I ask Your Honor to give a direction that he moves back home; he should not stay alone again. This is not business as usual. He has proved he can’t live alone. He has been to rehab for six months. I cannot take Austin’s apology. I know he will not change. How many times have we been called that he is high?”
She also expressed concern about young university students living together, cautioning against cohabitation and dependence on parental support. “Why are you getting excited about living together as boyfriend and girlfriend when your rent is paid by parents?” she asked.
The remarks came after seven university students, Dennis Kariuki Gitonga, Louis Osiro, Lucy Mora, Ali Kabwana Kamaku, Precious Kendi Mutembei, Austin Ochieng, and Wendy Kerubo, had been held for a week in connection with Karani’s death. However, new CCTV footage presented in court revealed that Karani fell while attempting to jump between balconies, leading the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to conclude investigations and direct that the matter proceed through a public inquest. The students have since been released but will appear as witnesses in the inquest.
According to reports, Karani, 23, died at Harmony Plaza Apartments in Ngara on November 23 after spending the night with the group, who were reportedly intoxicated. Residents heard singing and guitar playing on the 12th floor prior to the incident. Items believed to belong to Karani were later recovered from Gitonga’s apartment.
Magistrate Dolphina Alego, presiding over the session, urged the students to reflect on the impact of alcohol on their lives and the grief caused to their families. The magistrate also invited parents to address the court, prompting emotional statements of disappointment and concern. Some students acknowledged that alcohol had negatively affected their lives, while others denied drinking.
The court emphasized the need for the students to consider the consequences of their actions and released them after reviewing the file.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of alcohol misuse among young adults and the importance of parental guidance and support during university life.
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