Catholic Sister in Kenya Detained for “own safety” as Probe into Colleague’s Death Continues: Judge

Nairobi, 15 October, 2025 / 10:52 PM

A judge in Kenya has ordered the continued detention of a Catholic Sister accused of involvement in the death of her colleague in the country’s Catholic 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 Tuesday, October 14 that Sr. Caroline Kanjiru of the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation (NSA) 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, Sr. Anselmina Karimi, who was found dead on October 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,” Magistrate Ndegwa is quoted as saying referring to Sr. Caroline.

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 ruled in response to a prosecution request to hold Sr. Caroline for two weeks pending further inquiry.

Sources told ACI Africa that Sr. Caroline had recently succeeded the late Sr. Anselmina as head of Nkabune Children’s Home, an orphanage under the Catholic 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, having already shared a lot of personal and institutional information with her family,” reads part of a note ACI Africa obtained. 

 

The same note indicates that the late Sr. Anselmina “collapsed and passed away while alone,” adding that Sr. Caroline, 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 further reads. 

During the October 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 Sr. Caroline had “voluntarily surrendered to authorities” and was “ready to comply with court conditions.”

Sr. Caroline’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 NSA member.

In her ruling, Magistrate Ndegwa directed that Sr. Caroline, who has been in police custody since October 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 has been scheduled for Thursday, October 16.