CISA
MERU, OCTOBER 15, 2025 (CISA) – A Meru court has ordered that Sr Caroline Kanjiru, a Catholic nun from the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation (NSA), remain in police custody for 14 days as detectives intensify investigations into the mysterious death of her colleague, Sr Anselmina (Ansilime) Karimi.
The 65-year-old nun was found dead under suspicious circumstances inside her residence at the Nkabune Convent in Meru County over the weekend, a case that has sent shockwaves through the Catholic community.
The lifeless body of Sr Anselmina, a long-serving member and administrator of the Nkabune Children’s Home, was discovered early Sunday morning on October 12. Her body reportedly bore visible bruises on her hands, legs, and head, suggesting possible foul play.
Investigators suspect that the incident occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning. According to preliminary police reports, the deceased was found by fellow nuns in the convent’s dining area, sparking widespread grief among the religious community and the faithful who knew her as “a humble and motherly figure devoted to the care of children.”
Sr Caroline Kanjiru, also a member of the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation, was arrested in connection with the death and appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Thomas Muraguri on Tuesday. Police, led by investigating officer Abdul Tulla, requested her detention to allow for further forensic analysis, witness interviews, and the retrieval of phone data.
Mr. Tulla told the court that Sr Caroline was a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses if released, emphasizing that the investigation was still at a critical stage. He added that police were awaiting postmortem results and intended to conduct DNA and mental health assessments to piece together the events leading to Sr Karimi’s death.
While Sr Caroline maintains that the deceased fell ill and died while she was taking her to Nkubu Hospital for treatment, detectives have cast doubt on that account.
“The deceased had bruises on her hands and legs and blood oozing from her mouth and ears. Preliminary findings point to a struggle before her death,” a police source familiar with the case revealed.
Court documents further suggest that tensions may have existed between the two nuns. Reports indicate that Sr Caroline was due to take over management of the children’s home from Sr Karimi, a transition that might have caused friction, though investigators have not ruled out other possible motives.
The defence, however, opposed the detention request, arguing that Sr Caroline had voluntarily presented herself to police and was not a flight risk. Her lawyer also assured the court that the church was willing to ensure her attendance whenever required.
Despite these arguments, Senior Resident Magistrate Evalyne Ndegwa upheld the prosecution’s request, citing the gravity of the offence and the need to protect the integrity of the investigation. She noted that releasing the suspect could pose a threat to public safety or interfere with witnesses, given the heightened tensions within the local community.
“The application by the prosecution is granted. The suspect will remain in custody for 14 days pending the completion of investigations,” Magistrate Ndegwa ruled, directing that Sr Caroline be held at the Meru Police Station.
The court also instructed investigators to expedite forensic and postmortem examinations and to present a comprehensive report during the next mention of the case. Government Chief Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor is expected to conduct the autopsy on Thursday, which could provide crucial insights into the cause of death.
Meanwhile, police are gathering witness statements from members of the convent and staff of the children’s home and reviewing surveillance footage to establish a clearer timeline of events.
Sr Karimi’s family has called for swift and transparent investigations, urging authorities to ensure justice is served. “We suspect that she may have been deliberately killed,” a family representative said, demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding her death.
The Catholic Church in Meru has appealed for calm among the faithful as the probe continues.
“This is a painful and confusing moment for the Church. We trust that the truth will come out,” said a senior clergy member from the Nkabune Parish, who requested anonymity.
The body of Sr Anselmina Karimi currently lies at the Nkubu Mission Hospital mortuary, awaiting postmortem as the Meru community and the wider Catholic fraternity, await answers to the tragic death that has shaken their faith community.
