Mystery on murder of priest deepens as church awaits DCI to unravel

The casket and portrait of Nyahururu Catholic Priest Fr John Maina on May 22, 2025. [Daniel Chege and James Munyeki, Standard] The mystery surrounding the death of a Nyahururu Catholic diocese priest, Father John Maina, deepened yesterday after the church leadership said they were waiting for the DCI to tell them what transpired. It was revealed that the investigation has been taken over by the homicide department. Speaking during the burial of the priest at Tabor Hill Spirituality Centre in Equator Parish located in the outskirts of Nyahururu town, Bishop Joseph Mbatia said he will announce outcome of the investigations once he gets the report from the investigators. Political leaders who attended the burial were not allowed to address the mourners. The leaders included Nyandarua deputy governor Mwangi Mathaara, former governor Francis Kimemia, Senator John Methu, and a host of MCAs from Nyandarua and Laikipia counties. "Let us give the DCI team time to complete the investigation. We are eager to know what happened to Father Maina. If he was killed, we want to know by whom and why," he said. Bishop Mbatia called for calm as the investigation of the Nyahururu catholic priest continues in the homicide department. "I saw in the media; they were saying that Fr Maina was killed. Let them know that investigations are still ongoing. We all want to know what happened to our priest and who killed him," said Mbatia. The bishop retaliated that there was no need to rush reports in the media, including social media, that may end up being rumours. "The media should slow down. We are also waiting and that is why we have forwarded all the reports to the investigative agencies. In the meantime, let us remain calm, if we get the report, I will personally announce what befell our priests, said the bishop. Bishop Mbatia said the clergy had been shaken and weakened by Maina's death since he was a good person, generous, and a leader. Mbatia prayed to God to reveal to them what transpired in the mysterious death. "If we lose, God, you will lose too," he stated. He urged the faithful to pray for Maina's soul, describing him as ambitious, strong faith and a person who saw good in everyone. Retired Bishop Luigi Paiaro called for justice. He said the church was left with heavy hearts over the mysterious death that had left many in sorrow. The bishop said there were a lot of unanswered questions, but as a church, they still give thanks for Maina's life, which was devoted to the church. "We do not understand why he was taken so soon, but we trust in God's plan. His journey is complete, but his spirit lives on with us," said the bishop. The Vicar General of Nyahururu, Fr Timothy Main, sought answers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the homicide department. "We want answers on what happened to Fr Maina," said the Vicar. The burial ceremony was emotional for family, priests and the faithful of St Louis Igwamiti Parish where Fr Maina was the parish administrator for eight years. "He was pure with his work. Born in Kericho, the priest loved his family and spoke well of them. He said he would never want to be on the wrong side of the parents," read his eulogy. In the eulogy, the priest was said to have lifted the lives of his congregants and friends before and after he was ordained as a priest on March 5, 2017. Fr Robin Kimani who served with Maina, described him as a servant who was ready to give a helping hand to the needy people. "He was fully committed and focused on the ministry, he loved music and had a passion for football, and he took care of the elderly until he died mysteriously on May 15, 2025. Fr Maina died at St Joseph's Mission Hospital in Gilgil shortly after a boda boda rider picked him up by the roadside along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway near the Diatomite. According to the DCI, the rider said the priest told him that he had been abducted from Nyahururu.

Mystery on murder of priest deepens as church awaits DCI to unravel

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