The mystery surrounding the death of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Services Manager Esther Wairimu Keige has deepened after a postmortem examination failed to determine what caused her death, with pathologists citing the advanced state of decomposition of her body.
Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor, who conducted the examination at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), said there were no visible signs of physical injuries.
However, samples were collected and forwarded to the Government Chemist for toxicological testing to help establish the exact cause of death.
“We didn’t find any injuries on the body, but we have taken samples for further analysis at the government chemist. So, the cause of death was not conclusive,” said Dr Oduor.
The postmortem followed the discovery of Keige’s body in a coffee plantation in the Area 4 locality of Karimenu, Juja, bringing to an end weeks of uncertainty after she disappeared on June 10, 2026, shortly after leaving her office along Kiambu Road.
Her disappearance had attracted widespread public attention, with many questioning whether it was connected to her responsibilities as the KFS legal manager, particularly her involvement in matters concerning public forest land.
Juja Sub-County Police Commander Isaac Kombo said the body was found intact despite being in an advanced stage of decomposition. Family members later visited the scene and confirmed the identity of the deceased.
As investigations continue, detectives are following new leads after pupils from a nearby primary school reportedly told officers they had recently seen Keige asking for food before her body was found. The information is now forming part of efforts to retrace her final days.
Investigators are also examining her personal circumstances after relatives disclosed that she had been struggling with a serious medical condition and depression before she went missing.
Police have started recording statements from family members to better understand her state of mind and establish the sequence of events leading to her death.
Authorities say they have not ruled out any line of inquiry and will rely on the findings from toxicology and other laboratory examinations before reaching a final conclusion on what happened.
Meanwhile, Keige’s family has acknowledged the painful loss but said they are not yet prepared to comment publicly as they mourn their loved one.
The outcome of the pending forensic tests is expected to play a crucial role in determining the circumstances surrounding her death and guiding the next phase of the investigation.
