A cloud of grief hangs heavy over the family and friends of Venice Mokaya, a vibrant 19 year old who tragically lost her life after an accident during the Summer Tides beach party in Diani.
What began as a joyful getaway among friends at one of Kenya’s most anticipated youth events ended in sorrow that no one saw coming.
According to multiple sources and eyewitness accounts, Venice suffered a fatal electric shock shortly after the event ended.
She was staying at an Airbnb with friends and is believed to have come into contact with exposed wiring or a faulty appliance.
Despite efforts to rush her to a nearby hospital, Venice was pronounced dead on arrival.
Venice had only recently celebrated her 19th birthday.
Her social media pages were still filled with glowing birthday wishes and photos from the celebrations.
She had traveled from Nairobi to attend Summer Tides, the highly publicized mid-year beach party known for drawing massive crowds of Gen Z revelers from across the country.
A friend, Stancy Laus, shared heartbreaking footage of Venice’s final moments.
In the video, Venice is seen dancing energetically on the sunroof of a car with friends, beaming in a black top and monochrome shorts.
Moments later, the videos cut to yellow police tape marking the Airbnb as an active crime scene.
Another close friend, Maryam Myles, poured her grief into an emotional tribute.
“Venice was warm, selfless, always smiling. It hurts deeply that her parents didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye,” she wrote.
Maryam’s message captured the profound pain that has echoed across social media as tributes continue to flood in.
Her last Instagram post was a picture of her in a flowing white dress, smiling radiantly while holding a bouquet of flowers.
The caption read simply:
“Trust in God.” That post has now become a haunting final message her last words to the world.
Despite the outpouring of grief and public attention, Summer Tides organizers have not issued any statement regarding the tragic loss.
Their social media accounts continue to promote upcoming events, a decision that has sparked criticism online.
Many fans and friends argue that the organizers should at least acknowledge the tragedy and express condolences to the grieving family.
Venice’s death has also renewed concerns about safety standards at Airbnb locations and party destinations frequented by youth.
Her death comes amid a troubling trend of young lives lost during parties or getaways, often due to preventable causes like poor electrical wiring or lack of emergency response preparedness.
Investigations into the circumstances of her death are ongoing.
The Kenya Police Service has not yet released an official report, but the incident has been classified as accidental electrocution pending further forensic examination.
For now, Venice Mokaya’s name has become a symbol of a life cut short, of youthful joy turned into unimaginable pain and of a community mourning yet another bright soul lost far too soon.
By Kenyans