Priest Was Trailed, Kidnapped and Murdered By Individuals Who Demanded Share of Cash Left to Him by Gachagua, DCI Says

NAIROBI — A Catholic priest found dead last week was being followed by individuals demanding money allegedly given to him by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua before his abduction and murder, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Father John Maina of Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu was discovered gravely injured along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway on May 15, with bruises on the left side of his head that were oozing blood.

He told his rescuer, a motorcycle rider who found him near Diotomite stage, that he had been kidnapped from Nyahururu.

Despite being rushed to St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital in Gilgil, Fr. Maina died minutes after admission.

His body was transferred to Nyahururu Sub-County morgue where an autopsy was performed on May 19.

“It has been established that Fr. Maina was being trailed by some individuals who were demanding a share of the money allegedly given to him after he presided over the Silver Jubilee Anniversary Ceremony by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” the DCI stated in their report.

The ceremony in question took place on April 27, 2025, at Igwamiti Catholic Parish, where Gachagua was in attendance along with other politicians.

The event celebrated both the parish’s silver jubilee and the ordination of Father Simon Thuita.

Government pathologist Dr. Ngulungu conducted the autopsy and determined that the visible head injuries were unlikely to be the cause of death.

Samples have been sent for toxicological analysis to determine the actual cause.

According to investigators, Fr. Maina had expressed fears for his life prior to his abduction, though he never formally reported these concerns to police.

“Detectives are actively pursuing forensic leads to reconstruct Father Maina’s final movements and arrest suspects,” the DCI said, while appealing for public assistance in their investigation.

The authorities have urged the public to remain calm amid speculation on social media platforms, affirming their commitment to resolving the case “with the utmost integrity and thoroughness.”