Father John Maina: Kenyans Mourn as Catholic Priest Who Hosted Gachagua Is Found Dead
- Kenyans are mourning Father John Maina Ndegwa, a beloved Catholic priest from Nyahururu who recently hosted Rigathi Gachagua during a church fundraiser
- The priest's lifeless body was found at Kikopey on the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, approximately 50 kilometres from his church
- His death comes just weeks after he urged leaders to serve with humility and honesty during the church’s 25th anniversary celebration
Nyahururu – Grief has gripped the Catholic faithful and Kenyans at large following the sudden death of Reverend Father John Maina Ndegwa, a respected priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu.
Source: Facebook
His demise has sent shockwaves through the religious community and beyond, coming just three weeks after he hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other dignitaries at a high-profile fundraiser.
Where was Father John Maina's body found?
His lifeless body was found on Thursday, May 15, approximately 50 kilometres from his work station at Igwamiti Catholic Church.
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DCI detectives suspect that the priest was murdered elsewhere and his body dumped at Kikopey on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway in Gilgil.
A postmortem will be conducted on the body at St Benedict Catholic Mission Hospital to give more details into the death and help with the investigations.
At the time of filing this report, the clergyman's Subaru Forester, believed to have been used by the assailants to dump the body at the scene, was still missing.
When will Father John Maina's mass be?
A Holy Mass in his honour will be held today, Friday, May 16, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Parish, Igwamiti.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him,” read a message from the church.
Condolences have poured in from across the country, including messages of comfort to His Grace Bishop Joseph Mbatia.
Others who sent condolences were fellow priests, religious leaders, Fr. Maina’s family, parishioners of St. Louis Igwamiti, and all those who were touched by his life and ministry.
Source: Facebook
Kenyans mourn Father John Maina
Wa Njet
"RIP Father! May God expose whoever killed you in the name of Jesus Christ, our lord and Saviour. Amen."
Stephen Okumu
"Pole sana to the family, the Catholic church, and friends. It is painful to lose someone over such issues."
Wycliffe Ombecha:
"So sad, DCI should act with speed and arrest the culprits, the same way they acted on the late MP's case. #Justice for Rev Father John."
Daniel Mutungu:
"This reminds me of Father Kaiser and Reverend Muge, whose lives were taken away due to their strong stand against social injustices."
Day Fr. Maina hosted Gachagua
The event, held at St. Louis Catholic Parish, Igwamiti, where Fr. Maina served, was organised to raise funds for the purchase of a parish van and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the church.
During his sermon that day, the late priest urged political leaders to lead with humility, honesty, and a sincere concern for the welfare of Kenyans.
Fr. Maina is remembered as a compassionate shepherd who faithfully served his community and advocated for a better, more just society.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
