DCI Claims Deceased KFS Official ‘Struggled With Depression’, Disappeared From Home
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed that Esther Wairimu Keige, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Services Manager who was discovered dead, had been silently suffering depression prior to her death.
According to a statement issued on July 9, DCI reported that investigations had determined that Keige was receiving treatment for the ailment at the time she disappeared.
Further investigation revealed that her mental health issues had previously caused her to be unexpectedly separated from her family.
“During the course of investigations, it was established that the deceased had been battling depression and was undergoing treatment,” stated DCI.
PRESS STATEMENT pic.twitter.com/bP3vt4fMYe— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) July 9, 2026
“Further inquiries also revealed that she had previously disappeared from home on three separate occasions before eventually returning safely.”
This trend provided investigators with an early lead, even as they raced against the clock to determine what had happened to her this time around.
Keige was reported missing on June 10 after her driver dropped her off at the Shell petrol station in Juja, near Senate Hotel, where she had reportedly intended to inquire about gym services.
Her disappearance triggered an extensive search operation involving multiple investigative teams and partner security agencies.
Missing, Then Found… Dead
Esther Wairimu Keige’s legal prowess earned her stripes, eventually securing her a position at KSF.
Yet, for the past month, Esther’s family was unable to locate her.
Her body was later discovered on a farm in Juja.#NTVTonight @NginaKirori pic.twitter.com/G0gdJqji2L— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) July 7, 2026
Detectives reviewed CCTV footage, analysed mobile phone data, conducted forensic examinations, interviewed witnesses and carried out intelligence-led operations in a bid to trace her movements.
In a heartbreaking twist, her family, through the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), announced that the 54-year-old advocate’s body had been found on the night of July 6, effectively ending weeks of uncertainty.
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Because of the decomposed state of the deceased’s body, a post-mortem examination failed to establish the cause of her death.
According to the DCI, Keige’s mobile phone was recovered at the scene intact but switched off, while her shoes had been removed and placed beside her body.
Despite an inconclusive post-mortem, the DCI maintained that all possible lines of inquiry remain open, including homicide, pending the outcome of the forensic tests.
Detectives also appealed to members of the public with information about Keige’s movements between June 10 and the recovery of her body to come forward as investigations continue.
This comes as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announced a national “March for Justice” and a suspension of legal services on July 10.
This follows the deaths of Keige and Edward Muthee Kariuki, describing these events as ‘direct attacks on the rule of law.’
DCI Claims Deceased KFS Official ‘Struggled With Depression’, Disappeared From Home
