The DCI Details Final Movements of Esther Keige as Investigation Into Her Death Continues

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a detailed update on the death of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Services Manager Esther Wairimu Keige, whose body was recovered in a coffee plantation in Juja, Kiambu County, after weeks of intensive search efforts.

Ms. Keige was reported missing on June 10, 2026, after her driver dropped her at a Shell petrol station in Juja, adjacent to Senate Hotel, where she had indicated she was going to inquire about gym services. The driver remained at the location, but she never returned.

Following the missing person's report, detectives immediately launched an extensive investigation involving multiple investigative teams and partner security agencies. The inquiry included the review of CCTV footage, forensic examinations, witness interviews, intelligence-led operations, mobile phone data analysis and ground searches across several locations as officers pursued every possible lead.

Search operations were conducted in areas where she was last seen, as well as other locations considered relevant, including Kenyatta Road, Gatundu, Ndarugo, Mang'u, the Murram area, Stage 4 and surrounding neighbourhoods. The investigators also visited hospitals and mortuaries to establish whether she had been admitted or identified among unknown persons.

During the investigations, detectives established that Ms. Keige had been battling depression and was undergoing treatment. They also found that she had previously left home on three separate occasions before later returning safely.

The search came to a tragic end on July 6, 2026, at about 5:00pm, when the decomposed body of an unidentified woman was discovered inside a makeshift shelter in a bushy section of the undeveloped Fusion Estate Farm in Kiaora area, Juja, approximately seven kilometres west of Juja Police Station.

Senior police officers and Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) detectives processed the scene before the body, which was in an advanced state of decomposition, was moved to Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital Funeral Home pending identification and post-mortem examination.

The body was later positively identified by the deceased's sister as that of Esther Wairimu Keige. Detectives recovered her mobile phone at the scene. The phone was intact but switched off, while her shoes had been removed and placed beside the body.

A post-mortem examination found no external physical injuries suggestive of assault. However, due to the advanced state of decomposition, pathologists were unable to conclusively establish the cause of death. Samples have since been collected for comprehensive toxicological and other forensic analyses to determine both the cause and manner of death.

The DCI emphasised 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," the DCI said.

The agency appealed to members of the public who may have information regarding Ms. Keige's movements between June 10, 2026 and the recovery of her body to come forward and assist investigators.

"Any person with information that may assist the investigation is urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the Directorate of Criminal Investigations through its toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000. Any information received will be treated with the strictest confidence," the statement added.

The DCI also conveyed its condolences to Ms. Keige's family, friends, colleagues at the Kenya Forest Service and all those affected by her death.

"The Directorate remains committed to conducting a thorough, impartial, and evidence-led investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Ms. Keige's death and ensure that any person found culpable is brought to justice," the DCI said.