The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has released a detailed update on the investigation into the death of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Services Manager Esther Wairimu Keige.
In a statement on Thursday, the DCI said homicide has not been ruled out despite a post-mortem examination finding no external signs of assault.
The Investigative agency said investigations into Keige’s death remain active and detectives are pursuing all possible leads as they await the results of toxicological and other forensic examinations expected to help establish the exact cause and manner of Keige’s 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,” the DCI stated.
According to the DCI, Keige was reported missing on June 10, 2026, after she was dropped off by her driver at the Shell petrol station in Juja, next to Senate Hotel, where she had intended to inquire about gym services.
The driver reportedly remained at the station waiting for her, but she never returned.
Her disappearance triggered an extensive multi-agency search operation involving detectives and partner security agencies.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage, analyzed mobile phone data, conducted forensic examinations, interviewed witnesses, and carried out intelligence-led inquiries in an effort to establish her whereabouts.
“Search operations and inquiries were also conducted in areas where the deceased was last sighted and other locations considered relevant, including Kenyatta Road, Gatundu, Darugo, Mang’u, the Murram area, Stage 4 and their environs. Hospitals and mortuaries within the surrounding areas were also visited to establish whether the missing person had been admitted or identified among unknown persons,” DCI said.
The DCI disclosed that investigations established Keige had been battling depression and was receiving treatment.
Detectives also learned that she had previously disappeared from home on three separate occasions before eventually returning safely.
“During the course of investigations, it was established that the deceased had been battling depression and was undergoing treatment.
“Further inquiries also revealed that she had previously disappeared from home on three separate occasions before eventually returning safely,” DCI revealed.
The body of the late Keige was discovered on July 6 inside a makeshift shelter in a bushy section of the undeveloped of the Fusion Estate Farm in the Kiaora Area of Juja.
The DCI appealed to members of the public who may have information about Keige’s movements between June 10, 2026, when she disappeared, and the date her body was recovered, to come forward.
