The search for missing Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Services Manager, Esther Wairimu Keige, has concluded with authorities confirming her death.
According to Juja Sub-County Police Commander Isaac Kombo, the body of the KFS Legal Services Manager was found in a coffee plantation in Area 4 near Karimenu in Juja.
Students from a local school told police officers that Wairimu was recently seen alive at the school, seeking help finding food.
Reports from the police commander indicate that Esther’s brother confirmed that the body discovered was that of his sister on July 6 alongside two other family members who were present at the scene.
According to the investigators, the body of the deceased was intact despite having started to undergo the decomposition process.
Following the discovery of the deceased, the authorities have moved the body to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital mortuary pending an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
KFS Missing Manager Alert
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) had issued a public notice on the disappearance of Esther Keige, a Manager of Legal Services on June 10.
KFS has called upon members of the public to provide any information on the whereabouts of the Manager.
In addition, KFS explained that reports regarding the senior staff member should be made to the nearest police station.
“We wish to notify the general public of the disappearance of our colleague, Ms. Esther Keige. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is kindly requested to report to the nearest police station or contact the numbers provided below. Any information shared will be highly appreciated,” the KFS statement read.
Alternative individuals with relevant information should contact 0719 483 323, 0722 809 878, 0722 791 139, or 0700 012 803.
KFS has not, however, issued details on where the missing manager was last seen or events surrounding her disappearance.
Public Reactions on Esther Keige Disappearance
Esther Wairimu Keige’s disappearance has raised public concern about the possible reasons for her abrupt departure.
Members of the public, including Jesse Gitau, have questioned whether Esther Keige’s disappearance was related to the destruction of Imenti Forest.
Despite some concerns about her role at the KFS, the public has expressed support and wished her a safe return.
Also Read: Outrage Over Karura Forest Clearance for Alleged Secret Barracks Plan
About Esther Keige
Esther Wairimu Keige was serving as the Legal Service Manager at the Kenya Forest Service before missing.
She holds a master’s degree in environmental, a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB Hons), and a postgraduate diploma in Law.
Further, Esther is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a Certified Secretary (CS), and a Certified Professional Mediator.
Esther has over 20 years of experience as an advocate and certified secretary in the private and public sectors.
Also Read: Man Leaps From 4th-Story Balcony to Escape FBI During $90M Minnesota Fraud Raid Still Missing
KFS Staff Cases
According to KFS reports 2023/2024, 16 rangers were recorded to have died, with 5 of the rangers dying in the line of duty, citing the harsh working conditions.
Further, the report stated that 33 rangers had been injured during engagements with illegal loggers.
“In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the service recorded 33 injuries and lost another 16 rangers in the line of duty,” the KFS board chairman said during the celebration of the World Rangers Day.
To help improve the working conditions of the rangers, the KFS rolled out the use of uncrewed aerial vehicles to enable faster surveillance.
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