Esther Keige was battling depression -DCI
By David Nthua, July 9, 2026A statement by John Marete, the Director of Communications at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has revealed that the late Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Services Manager Esther Wairimu Keige was battling depression before her death.
According to the DCI statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, it was not the first time the 54-year-old advocate had gone missing.
“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,” the statement reads.
The driver dropped her off in Juja
The DCI further disclosed that Keige was reported missing on June 10, 2026, after her driver dropped her at a Shell petrol station in Juja near the Senate Hotel, where she intended to make inquiries about gym services.
Investigators said the driver remained at the location, but Keige never returned.
Following the report of her disappearance, detectives launched investigations involving multiple security agencies.
The investigation included the review of CCTV footage, forensic analysis, witness interviews, intelligence-led inquiries, mobile phone data analysis and extensive ground searches in areas including Kenyatta Road, Gatundu, Darugo, Mang’u, the Murram area, Stage 4 and surrounding locations.
Police also visited hospitals and mortuaries in an effort to trace her.
Body found in Juja
According to the DCI, Keige’s decomposed body was discovered on July 6, 2026, inside a makeshift shelter at Fusion Estate Farm in Kiaora, Juja, about seven kilometres west of Juja Police Station.
Her body was later positively identified by her sister.
Police said her mobile phone was recovered intact but switched off, while her shoes had been removed and placed beside the body.
Homicide not ruled out
The DCI said a post-mortem examination did not reveal external physical injuries suggestive of assault. However, pathologists were unable to determine the cause of death because the body was in an advanced state of decomposition.
Samples have since been submitted for toxicological and other forensic analysis.
The agency 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 statement added.
The DCI appealed to members of the public with information about Keige’s movements between June 10 and the recovery of her body to report to the nearest police station or contact the agency through its hotline or WhatsApp channel.