Following the untimely death of journalist Lilian Achieng Aluko, 33, in Kasarani, Nairobi County, on Friday, October 1, her family is demanding justice.
While police continue to look into the circumstances surrounding her death, her loved ones are in shock over the tragic event.
The police report states that Lilian was killed at the Kahawa West apartment of her boyfriend, George Mutegi. She had a knife wound close to her right ear and head injuries when her body was discovered.
At the scene, authorities found a kitchen knife that they believe was used during the assault.
The primary suspect allegedly turned off his phone and ran away after the incident, making it challenging for police to find him.
Lilian’s mother, Jane Akinyi Aluko, shared the devastating moment she learned of her daughter’s death. She explained that Lilian had informed her family she would spend the night at her boyfriend’s place but did not return home.
Jane received a call from an unknown number on Friday evening, informing her about the tragedy. She arrived at the apartment only to be told that her daughter’s body had been discovered inside.
Lilian’s brother, Shadrack Aluko, expressed the overwhelming distress the family felt upon hearing the news. “When we got the fateful call, it was distressing; it is not something I would wish on anyone,” he shared, emphasising the emotional toll the loss has taken on the family.
Her body was taken to Kenyatta Memorial Funeral Home for storage while investigations are ongoing.
Friends and former colleagues of Lilian remember her as a bright and inspiring young woman with a promising future. A former presenter at Radio 44, Lilian had a reputation for her dedication and positive spirit.
Her tragic death is part of a worrying trend of increasing femicide cases in Kenya. The National Police Service (NPS) recently reported that 97 cases of femicide have occurred in just the last three months.
In response to the escalating violence against women, President William Ruto has pledged to take decisive action. On November 3, he announced that the government would do everything possible to combat femicide and ensure the safety of women in the country.
