: The family of the late Lydia Toksei is set to hold a candle-lighting ceremony to celebrate her life and fast-track the case, and shine a brighter light on the issue of gender-based violence (GBV).

On January 10, anxiety gripped the family and friends of Tokesi, a 29-year-old Moi University graduate, as she had been missing since January 4.

Tokesi worked as a customer service experience officer at Kasha Technologies and according to her colleague identified as Wycliffe, her car was found in Rongai with everything intact, including her laptop.

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On January 13, sorrow engulfed Tokesi's family members after her mutilated body was discovered in Gataka Forest, Kajiado County, ending the week-long search.

Authorities launched a manhunt for her long-term boyfriend, Phillip Orwa, who was the key suspect in the gruesome murder that has shocked the nation.

"We have organised a candle-lighting ceremony in her honour, scheduled for Monday, January 27. Beyond commemorating her life, our goal is to amplify our voices, fast-track the case, and shine a brighter light on the issue of gender-based violence (GBV)," Wycliffe told

"This is not just about seeking justice for Tokesi but also about creating awareness and driving meaningful change," he added.

According to Wycliffe, family and friends want to involve more stakeholders and individuals actively engaged in the fight against GBV to join them and lend their voices.

The event will be held on Monday from 4 pm to 6 pm at Western Heights along Kuaruna Road behind Sarit Centre, on the 9th floor.

"Together, we can make an even greater impact," he said.

The main fundraising for burial arrangements will be on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 from 4pm. The venue in Nairobi Central Business District will be communicated

Tokesi's requiem service will be on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 2 pm to 4 pm at Montezuma Funeral Home Chapel, and thereafter, the body will depart to Kiminini, Masaba Farm, to arrive on Friday, January 31 2025, in the morning.

"The burial date for the late Tokesi will be on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in Kiminini, Masaba Farm," said her colleague.

In January 13, fresh details revealed that Lydia Tokesi, the slain Moi University graduate, faced a strained relationship with her long-term boyfriend, Phillip Orwa.

During a raid of the suspect's house, a love letter that was found revealed that the two had a strained relationship.

Police have intensified their manhunt for Orwa who is now the prime suspect in her brutal murder.

Source: TUKO.co.ke