Who killed Father Ndegwa? Church silent as mystery surrounds priest's death

Crime Scene. [Courtesy]

The death of a Catholic priest in Kikopey, Gilgil, has sparked more questions than answers as both investigators and worshipers attempt to understand what occurred.

Eight days after Father John Maina Ndegwa of Gathanje Catholic Church in Ol Joro Orok Parish, succumbed to injuries sustained after allegedly being thrown from a moving car, the motive behind the incident remains unclear, even as burial preparations continue.

The situation has been exacerbated by the silence from the Catholic Church, which has typically been vocal in defending its clergy and congregants.

Interestingly, this incident occurred just two weeks after the priest hosted the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and several other leaders at his church.

On Thursday of last week, Father Ndegwa, was reportedly kidnapped by unknown assailants and driven towards Gilgil.

Upon reaching Gilgil, the kidnappers were headed towards Nakuru but ultimately threw the priest from the moving car, resulting in severe head injuries.

According to Gilgil Deputy County Commissioner Willy Cheboi, a group of motorcycle operators came to Father Ndegwa's aid and rushed him to St. Mary's Hospital.

While in the hospital, the priest was able to recount to doctors how he had been kidnapped, drugged, and then thrown from the car.

"The information we received from the hospital indicates that the priest was conscious and was able to narrate what had transpired," Cheboi stated.

Tragically, Father Ndegwa succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment, leaving investigators and the faithful with numerous unanswered questions.

"Fellow priests from Nyahururu visited the morgue the following day to collect the body as DCI officers began their investigations into the incident," Cheboi added.

On Monday, the mystery surrounding the priest's death deepened during a post-mortem examination conducted in Nyahururu, as the church's top leadership declined to comment on the situation.

The pathologist responsible for the postmortem was also instructed to speak to the press.

A source from the church expressed that this incident had left them in confusion, grappling with questions about who kidnapped the priest, why it happened, and where the incident took place.

"The priest's car was found intact in the church compound, and Nyahururu Catholic Bishop Joseph Mbatia has remained silent regarding the incident," reported a worshiper.

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has urged security officials to act swiftly to apprehend those responsible for the murder.

In her statement, she noted that the tragic and brutal death was not only heart-breaking but also a painful reminder of the increasing threats to the safety of those who serve at the altar.

"As a Catholic and a leader, I stand with the faithful in mourning a man of God who dedicated his life to spiritual service and uplifting the lives of many through the Gospel of Christ," she said.