The untold Esther Arunga story

 The Tragic and Twisted Tale of Esther Arunga: A True Story Stranger Than Fiction

Today, the former KTN news anchor is back in the headlines, and once again, her story is igniting debates. It’s easy to judge her choices, yet her experiences reflect those of many women. Her tale is one of love, missteps, and devastating consequences—a cautionary tale for some, but a recurring reality for many.

The All-Too-Familiar Pattern

Esther’s story is emblematic of a common scenario: a woman falls in love, and that’s where her troubles begin. Often, there’s another man in her life, someone who might have provided stability and a better future. Yet, this man is dismissed for being “boring,” and she is swept off her feet by someone more exciting—a decision that leads to heartbreak and, in Esther’s case, unimaginable tragedy.

The Rise of Esther Arunga

Esther Arunga’s journey began with promise. She studied law in Kenya, gaining admission to the bar in 2009. She also pursued communication, a background that quickly secured her a position at KTN, one of Kenya’s leading media houses. Her charisma and talent made her a household name.

But her life took a turn when she joined a church led by her distant relative, Pastor Joseph Hellon. In early 2010, she moved out of her parents' home into a mansion owned by the church, citing a family crisis as the trigger. In an interview, Esther revealed that her parents had tried to marry her off to a powerful politician, hinting at their connections to influential figures in government.

The Quincy Timberlake Saga

While attending the church, Esther became engaged to an elder, Wilson Malaba. However, the engagement was short-lived. Soon after, she met Quincy Timberlake, a man with a flawless American accent, despite hailing from Kisumu. Quincy’s charisma and mysterious background captivated Esther, and the two began a whirlwind romance.

In February 2010, Esther, Quincy, and Pastor Hellon held a press conference to announce the formation of a new political party, the Placenta Party of Kenya. The unusual name and their audacious ambitions—Hellon as presidential candidate and Esther as deputy—drew widespread attention, including from intelligence agencies.

Shortly after, a dramatic police raid on the church mansion resulted in multiple arrests, including Esther’s. Although she was detained, only Quincy and Hellon were charged with being part of an unregistered, allegedly dangerous organization—a claim later debunked when it was revealed the church had been registered years earlier.

Esther’s relationship with her parents further deteriorated when she accused them, along with the police and government, of kidnapping her and forcing her to see a psychiatrist. Her parents’ powerful connections likely shielded her from legal consequences, but the incident highlighted the deep rift between them.

A New Life Abroad

In 2012, Esther and Quincy fled Kenya, settling first in Dubai before moving to Australia. Esther gained Australian citizenship and began practicing law as a barrister at the New South Wales Supreme Court. For a brief moment, it seemed she had found stability.

The Tragedy in 2014

But in 2014, tragedy struck. Esther’s young son, Sinclair, died under suspicious circumstances. Initially, Esther claimed he had fallen down the stairs, but a post-mortem examination contradicted her account. Later, in court, Esther admitted that Quincy had assaulted their son in an attempt to exorcise a demon. Quincy struck the boy on the head and stomach, injuries that ultimately proved fatal.

Quincy was declared mentally unfit to stand trial and was committed to a mental institution. Meanwhile, Esther faced charges as an accomplice to murder for covering up the crime and shielding her husband.

A Tale Too Bizarre for Fiction

Esther’s story is one of love, ambition, and devastating loss—a story stranger than any fiction. If it were written as a novel, readers might dismiss it as implausible. Yet, it is all painfully real.

As we await the court’s judgment on Esther’s role in her son’s death, her story serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of our choices and the complex interplay of love, family, and ambition.