Brenda Kawira Gitonga, a 29-year-old medical biochemist, had plans to relocate to Australia in August 2021 with her boyfriend, John Gakure Kiretai, also known as DJ Dela.
She had been awarded a scholarship and informed her mother, Catherine Gakii, about their plans. She had also informed her mother that they were in the process of arranging dowry negotiations with DJ Dela’s family.
Ms Gakii could not oppose their plan, especially after learning that DJ Dela’s father had offered to pay for their air tickets. Brenda had even told her mother that they had decided to take vows at the Attorney General’s office before leaving.
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However, tragedy struck when a police report claimed that Brenda had committed suicide by jumping through the balcony of the fourth floor of Hawk Flats in Ngumba Estate. The report stated that she had expressed dissatisfaction with their relationship before taking her life. DJ Dela rushed Brenda to the hospital but she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Brenda’s mother disagrees with the police’s version of events, saying that her daughter was always happy and never confided in her about any problems. Additionally, the police report revealed bruises on Brenda’s body, which suggests that her death may not have been a suicide.
On March 12, 2023, Brenda was laid to rest in her native home in Meru County. Her death has left her mother and the community seeking answers.