The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued an update following the death of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Services Manager Esther Wairimu Keige, whose body was recovered in Juja, Kiambu County, weeks after she went missing.
In a press statement dated July 9, 2026, the DCI stated that Keige’s body had decomposed, making it difficult for pathologists to determine the cause of death during the post-mortem.
“A post-mortem examination has since been conducted. While the examination revealed no external physical injuries suggestive of assault, the pathologists were unable to conclusively determine the cause of death due to the advanced state of decomposition. Consequently, samples were collected and submitted for comprehensive toxicological and other forensic analysis to assist in establishing the cause and manner of death,” read the statement in part.
The investigators said samples had been collected and submitted for toxicological and other forensic analyses to help establish the circumstances surrounding her death, adding that homicide had not been ruled out.
DCI Launches Probe into Death of Kenya Forest Service
According to the DCI, Keige was reported missing on 10th June 2026, after being dropped off by her driver at Shell petrol station in Juja where she intended to inquire about gym services.
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The driver reportedly remained at the location, but Keige did not return, prompting a missing person report and the launch of investigations.
The DCI said detectives immediately began tracing her whereabouts through a multi-agency operation involving several investigative teams and partner security agencies.
The search involved reviewing CCTV footage, analyzing mobile phone data, conducting forensic examinations, interviewing witnesses and pursuing intelligence leads.
Detectives also carried out searches in areas where Keige was last seen and other locations considered relevant to the investigation, including Kenyatta Road, Gatundu, Darugo, Mang’u, the Murram area, Stage 4 and their surroundings.
Police officers also visited hospitals and mortuaries within the area to establish whether she had been admitted or identified among unknown persons.
During the investigations, detectives established that Keige had been battling depression and was undergoing treatment. The DCI further stated that she had previously gone missing from home on three occasions before returning safely.
Esther Keige’s Body Is Found in Juja Farm
In its statement, DCI stated that on July 6, 2026, at around 5 PM, a decomposed body of an unidentified female was discovered inside a makeshift shelter in a bushy section of the undeveloped Fusion Estate Farm in Kiaora area, Juja, seven kilometers west of Juja Police Station.
Following the discovery, senior police officers and detectives from the Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) unit visited the scene and processed the area.
The body was documented before being transferred to the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital Funeral Home, where it was preserved pending identification and post-mortem examination.
The body was later identified by Keige’s sister as that of the missing KFS Legal Services Manager.
At the scene, detectives recovered her mobile phone, which was found intact but switched off. Police also observed that her shoes had been removed and placed beside the body.
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The evidence recovered at the scene is expected to form part of the ongoing investigations as detectives attempt to piece together Ms. Keige’s final movements.
Homicide Not Ruled Out as Detectives Await Forensic Findings
The DCI said the post-mortem examination did not reveal external physical injuries that could immediately suggest assault.
However, due to the advanced state of decomposition, pathologists were unable to conclusively determine the cause of death.
“The DCI wishes to clarify that investigations remain active and that homicide has not been ruled out. Detectives are pursuing all plausible lines of inquiry and are awaiting the outcome of the toxicology and other forensic examinations, which are expected to provide critical leads in the investigation,” read the statement.
Samples collected during the examination have been forwarded for further laboratory analysis, including toxicology tests.
DCI confirmed that investigations remain active and that all possible explanations are being considered.
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