Grief and sorrow engulfed Nkabune Catholic Church in Meru County as family members, friends, clergy, and beneficiaries of Meru Children’s Home gathered to bid farewell to Sr. Anselmina Karimi of the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation, whose death remains unresolved months after she was brutally murdered.
The 65-year-old nun, who served as the administrator of Meru Children’s Home, was found dead in her residence on the morning of October 12, 2025, her death shocking the community, especially the hundreds of children and families whose lives she had transformed through decades of service.
Originally scheduled for burial on November 6, 2025, her interment was halted following a court application by family members seeking more investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The family recently agreed to proceed with the burial, citing the prolonged wait and the emotional toll it had taken on her elderly and ailing mother.
Investigations into the murder are still ongoing.
A fellow nun, Sr. Caroline Kanjiru, who had been preparing to take over the administration of the children’s home, was arrested in connection with the case but later became a state witness.
Preliminary findings indicated that Sr. Anselmina may have been struck on the head with a blunt object, after detectives noted bruises on her hands and legs as well as bleeding from her ears and mouth, injuries that raised suspicion and pointed away from a natural death.
Forensic investigations are ongoing.
During the funeral service, former beneficiaries of Meru Children’s Home broke down in tears as they recounted how the nun had rescued, nurtured, and educated them, many after being abandoned as infants.
“Sister was a mother to us. She raised doctors, teachers, engineers, agronomists, and even a priest. The tears you see here today are proof of the impact she had on our lives,” said one beneficiary who is now a teacher.
Many described how Sr. Anselmina had taken them in when they were only hours or months old and guided them through education until they became self-reliant adults.
“She did not just save my life. Every good thing I am today, every strength I have, I owe to her unwavering belief in me. Now that she is gone, I have never felt more orphaned,” said another beneficiary.
Fridah Gakii, now a clinical officer, described the loss as heartbreaking.
“It is painful to imagine that a woman who dedicated her life to saving others was taken away in such a cruel manner. Those responsible should be brought to justice,” she said.
John Muoni, a civil engineer and one of the oldest beneficiaries of the home, having been admitted at the age of three months, appealed to authorities to expedite investigations and provide closure to the family and the children she raised.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sarafina Kathurima described Sr. Anselmina as an angel on earth whose mission was to transform lives.
“She touched countless lives and gave hope to the hopeless. We appeal to the government to ensure that those responsible for her death are arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable,” she said.
The funeral Mass was led by retired Meru Bishop Salesius Mugambi who praised the late nun for her dedication and selfless service during the 41 years she served as a professed sister.
“She built strong bonds with the children under her care and made friends wherever she went. Her kindness and compassion touched many lives,” he said.
The bishop also recalled a period when Sr. Anselmina was transferred from the children’s home, after which the institution experienced significant challenges.
According to him, the home only regained stability and flourished after she was transferred back.
While calling for justice, Bishop Mugambi urged mourners to embrace forgiveness in line with Christian teachings while allowing investigative agencies to continue their work.
“To the children she loved so dearly, take refuge in Mother Mary. Let those who continue her work remain committed to helping the needy so that Sister’s legacy may live on,” he said.
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