The family of Esther Wairimu Keige, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) senior legal officer whose disappearance sparked nationwide concern, has confirmed that she has been found dead nearly a month after she went missing.

In a heartbreaking statement shared by the family and later circulated by the Kenya Forest Service on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the family announced that the 54-year-old advocate’s body was found on the night of July 6, 2026, ending weeks of uncertainty and an extensive search that had drawn national attention.

“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we, the Keige family, announce the passing of our beloved Esther Wairimu Keige, who went missing on 10th June 2026. Following weeks of tireless searching, she was found on the night of 6th July 2026,” the family stated.

The family thanked Kenyans who stood with them throughout the search.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who walked this journey with us—family, friends, colleagues, and members of the public—for your prayers, support, and tireless efforts in the search for our beloved Esther. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the family said.

Esther Wairimu Keige’s disappearance

Keige, who served as Manager of Legal Services at the Kenya Forest Service headquarters, was reported missing after she was last seen in the Juja area on June 10, 2026.

Five days later, on June 15, KFS issued a public appeal asking Kenyans to help trace the senior legal officer’s whereabouts.

In the missing person notice, the agency urged anyone with information to report to the nearest police station or contact emergency numbers provided by the service.

“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,” KFS said at the time.

The agency shared several emergency contact numbers and appealed to members of the public to assist in locating her safely.

LSK also joined search

The disappearance also prompted intervention by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which confirmed that Keige was one of its members.

LSK President Charles Kanjama appealed to advocates and members of the public to help trace the missing lawyer.

“The Law Society of Kenya has received a report of a missing member. We appeal to the public to assist in tracing Esther Wairimu Keige, Advocate, who has been reported missing and was last seen in the Juja area on 10th June 2026,” Kanjama said in a statement issued on June 15.

He urged anyone with information to contact the society or report to the relevant authorities, saying every lead could prove critical in locating her.

Senior legal officer

Keige held one of the most senior legal positions within the Kenya Forest Service, serving as the agency’s Manager of Legal Services.

The department plays a key role in advising the corporation on legal matters involving forest conservation, environmental protection, land disputes, litigation and policy implementation.

Her disappearance had caused anxiety within both the forestry sector and the legal fraternity, with colleagues expressing hope that she would be found alive.

Circumstances remain unclear

Neither the family nor the Kenya Forest Service disclosed where Keige’s body was found or the circumstances surrounding her death.

Police had not immediately released details on whether foul play is suspected or the progress of investigations.

Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations to establish what happened between the time she disappeared on June 10 and the discovery of her body nearly four weeks later.

Missing persons remain a growing concern

Keige’s death comes against the backdrop of growing concern over missing persons cases in Kenya.

In recent months, human rights organisations have raised alarm over an increase in disappearances, including allegations of abductions and enforced disappearances, while police have also continued to investigate numerous cases involving missing adults and children.

The issue has attracted national attention following a series of high-profile disappearances that have prompted calls for faster investigations and improved coordination between security agencies.

Recently, Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo urged Kenyans to report missing persons, particularly children, immediately, warning that delays in reporting significantly reduce the chances of successful rescue efforts.

As investigators begin piecing together the events leading to Esther Wairimu Keige’s death, her family, colleagues and the legal fraternity are now awaiting answers on what happened to the respected advocate during the nearly one month she remained missing.