Grief has engulfed the Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu and the nation at large following the sudden and tragic death of Reverend Father John Maina Ndegwa, a beloved and respected priest known for his selfless service and spiritual leadership.
Father Maina’s lifeless body was discovered on Thursday, May 15, dumped near Kikopey along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, approximately 50 kilometers from his parish at St. Louis Catholic Parish, Igwamiti.
The circumstances surrounding his death have raised alarm and drawn nationwide attention, especially as it comes just three weeks after he hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other dignitaries at a high-profile church fundraiser.
According to preliminary investigations by DCI detectives, it is suspected that the priest was murdered at a different location and his body transported and dumped at the scene. The clergyman’s Subaru Forester, believed to have been used by the assailants, is still missing as of the time of this report.
A postmortem will be conducted at St. Benedict Catholic Mission Hospital to establish the cause of death and assist with ongoing investigations.
A Holy Mass in honour of Father Maina will be held today, Friday, May 16, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Parish, Igwamiti, where he had faithfully served.
Condolences have poured in from all corners of the country, including heartfelt messages to His Grace Bishop Joseph Mbatia, fellow clergy, parishioners, and Father Maina’s family. Religious leaders across denominations have also expressed their shock and sorrow.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him,” read a message from the church.
