Friends and classmates of the slain Moi University student Ivy Wangechi, on Wednesday, celebrated her 25th birthday just a day after she was hacked to death.
They gathered at the entrance of a Moi University School of Medicine hostel and honoured the slain student in her abscentia.
They placed a portrait of her between two rose-flower vases and lit three candles in front of it with a notebook in which her comrades scribbled their heartfelt messages.
Wangechi's life was abruptly cut short on Tuesday after a man, Naftali Kinuthia, hit her on the head with an axe inside Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
She was in her sixth-year at the medical school and was expected to graduate in a few months with her community already planning to surprise her when the institution bestows her the honour.
“We had planned how we’d receive her during the ceremony and even had a surprise for her. We are now in pain that her life has been cut short,” stated one of her neighbours in Thika Town.
Her family and friends described her as a good, hardworking student. She had scored straight As at Alliance High School to earn a spot at the medical institution.
Taking to social, Wangechi's close friend Rodgers Dan Abidha paid tribute to her with a touching message, "Happy birthday IVY. Rest in peace dear friend. This is at the entrance of our hostel at Moi University School of Medicine Main Hostel."
Others also expressed the pain that the entire incident left in their hearts.
"She used to burn the midnight oil since high school... She would read until her eyes became sore and red. May you rest with the angels beautiful," posted a user.
"My heart aches for Ivy Wangechi. We’ve lost a beautiful, intelligent, hardworking lady. None of the allegations surrounding her demise are true! It’s unfortunate that all those boldly peddling these rumors never once interacted with her," posted another.
May her sole Rest in Peace.
Below is the video:
