What began as a desperate search filled with hope has ended in heartbreaking tragedy.
The legal fraternity and the family of advocate Esther Wairimu Keige are in mourning after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) confirmed that the lawyer, who previously served as the Head of Legal Affairs at the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), has been found dead in Gatundu Forest, weeks after she mysteriously disappeared.
The devastating discovery has brought to a painful close weeks of uncertainty that had gripped her loved ones, friends, and colleagues, who had tirelessly hoped she would be found alive.
According to earlier reports, Keige was last seen in the Juja area on June 10, before she suddenly vanished without a trace. Her unexplained disappearance sparked growing concern, prompting family members, fellow advocates, and members of the public to launch a widespread search while appealing for any information that could help locate her.
As the days turned into weeks with no answers, anxiety continued to build. Every passing day raised more questions than answers, with many praying that the respected advocate would safely return home.
On Tuesday, July 7, lawyer Caroline Oduor confirmed the heartbreaking news that Keige’s body had been found in Gatundu Forest.
In an emotional message, Oduor expressed her deepest sympathies to the late advocate’s family, acknowledging the unimaginable pain they are now enduring after weeks of uncertainty.
“After weeks of anxious searching since 9th June, Esther Wairimu Keige has sadly been found dead in Gatundu Forest. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time. May they find strength in the face of this devastating loss. May those responsible be identified, brought before the law, and held fully accountable. Rest in peace, Counsel,” she said.
Beyond mourning her loss, Oduor also made a passionate appeal for justice, urging investigators to establish exactly what happened and ensure that anyone responsible is identified and prosecuted according to the law.
Keige’s disappearance had first been brought to public attention by Oduor on June 15, when she revealed that the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had been notified of the advocate’s disappearance. At the time, she urged Kenyans to assist with any information that could help trace the missing lawyer, as hope remained that she would be found safe.
Sadly, that hope has now been replaced by grief.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death continue, many within the legal profession and beyond are demanding answers. Her death has left colleagues, friends, and family searching not only for justice, but also for closure after a tragedy that has shocked many across the country.
May Esther Wairimu Keige rest in eternal peace, and may the truth surrounding her death soon come to light.
