Religious sister in Kenya detained as probe into colleague’s death continues

ACI Africa, Oct 16, 2025 / 15:11 pm

A judge in Kenya has ordered the continued detention of a Catholic religious sister accused of involvement in the death of her colleague in the country’s Diocese of Meru, citing the seriousness of the alleged offense, the need to complete investigations, and concerns for her personal safety.

According to Kenyan media reports, Senior Resident Magistrate Evalyne Ndegwa ruled on Oct. 14 that Sister Caroline Kanjiru of the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation will remain in custody for two weeks to allow investigators to conduct DNA testing and other forensic procedures related to the death of her colleague, Sister Anselmina Karimi, who was found dead on Oct. 12.

“In my opinion, it is necessary for the suspect’s own safety and protection and to prevent public outrage and retaliation to have her detained at this stage,” Ndegwa said.

The Kenyan Meru-based magistrate added that the extended detention would enable law enforcement officials “to escort the suspect to the government chemist for DNA analysis” and facilitate the completion of other critical investigative steps.”

“I therefore find merit in the application and direct that the suspect be detained for 14 days,” she said in response to a prosecution request to hold Kanjiru for two weeks pending further inquiry.

Sources told ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, that Kanjiru had recently succeeded the late Karimi as head of Nkabune Children’s Home, an orphanage under the Diocese of Meru.

“The deceased had faithfully served for many years, running a children’s home. She was requested to transfer to allow another sister to take over, but she declined. [She had] shared a lot of personal and institutional information with her family,” according to a note ACI Africa obtained, suggesting the sister’s family was possibly involved in the apostolate, making her reluctant to hand over the project.

According to ACI Africa, the family of the late sister is claiming that the detained sister was involved in the death of their kinswoman.

The same note obtained by ACI Africa indicated that the late sister had “collapsed and passed away while alone,” adding that the suspect in custody “does not reside near her room.”

“Nonetheless, a postmortem will be conducted to establish the true cause of death,” the note said.

During the Oct. 14 hearing, the prosecution argued that the suspect faced “hostility from the public, poses a flight risk, and may interfere with witnesses.”

The defense team, however, opposed the application, noting that Kanjiru had “voluntarily surrendered to authorities” and was “ready to comply with court conditions.”

Kanjiru’s lawyer further told the court that, contrary to the prosecution’s claim, “the area is not hostile.” He added that the Catholic Church was “willing to provide security” for the accused.

In her ruling, Ndegwa directed that Kanjiru, who has been in police custody since Oct. 12, remain detained at the Meru Police Station as investigations continue.

“Once the investigations are completed, either the suspect will be charged with the offense or she will be exonerated from custody,” the magistrate stated, expressing optimism that by the end of 14 days, “the society’s anger would have been quelled.”

The autopsy for Karimi was scheduled for Oct. 16.

The Religious Institute of the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation recently expressed deep sorrow about the loss of one its members.

In a statement on Wednesday, the institute’s superior general, Sister Adelina M. Muguna, said the congregation “is also greatly saddened by the arrest and detention of their member, Sister Caroline Kanjiru Paul, on suspicion that she is connected with the Oct. 12 incident.”

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.