Puzzle of Father Maina Found Dead Two Weeks After Meeting Gachagua and the Mystery of the Postmortem Results

The mysterious death of Catholic priest Father John Maina Ndegwa has deepened following inconclusive postmortem results, raising more questions than answers two weeks after he hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his parish.

Father Maina’s body was discovered last Thursday, May 15, at Kikopey along the busy Nakuru-Nairobi highway in Gilgil, Nakuru County—approximately 50 kilometers from his work station at Igwamiti Catholic Church under Nyahururu Catholic Diocese in Laikipia County.

According to a police sources speaking to local media, the postmortem conducted Monday in Nyahururu revealed minor bruises on the priest’s head, “which are unlikely to be the cause of death.”

Internal organs have been sent for toxicological testing to determine if poisoning was involved.

The circumstances surrounding Father Maina’s death remain puzzling.

Gilgil DCI boss Rahamad Wasilwa told the media that detectives suspect the priest was murdered elsewhere before his body was dumped at Kikopey.

“The Catholic priest might have been killed elsewhere before the body was dumped at the scene. Detectives have launched investigations,” Wasilwa said.

In a twist to the case, there are reports that Father Maina was actually found alive but in a near-lifeless state by a resident who took him to St Joseph’s Hospital.

“He briefly but faintly communicated with the doctors. Unfortunately, he died before he was able to provide information about the circumstances surrounding his condition,” revealed the police source.

Adding to the mystery, the priest’s vehicle was found miles away in Nyahururu, raising questions about how he traveled to Kikopey.

“The priest’s vehicle is still in Nyahururu, so we do not know how or with whom he travelled to Kikopey. It appears someone may have harmed him elsewhere and then dumped him in Kikopey as a cover-up,” the officer noted.

Detectives are investigating the priest’s mobile phone call logs to establish who communicated with him last.

“We are working with Safaricom to establish who communicated with the priest before his body was found. Also, the people who physically interacted with him will be persons of interest in the probe,” a senior DCI detective revealed.

The timing of the priest’s death has raised eyebrows, coming just two weeks after he hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other politicians at his parish during a fundraiser for a church van project and to celebrate the church’s 25th anniversary.

Rigathi signing visitors book when he was hosted by Father Maina recently.

During that event, Father Maina had urged politicians “to serve with humility, honesty, and mindful of Kenyans welfare.”

Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who attended the service with the former DP, expressed shock at the news.

“The priest was a personal friend, he hosted us with the former DP at his Igwamiti Parish Church. We are shocked that he is no more. The police must investigate and bring to book those behind that act,” Senator Methu said.

Parishioners described Father Maina as a jovial, humble servant of God.

“He would never ignore anyone, always striving to offer a solution or give hope. He was among the favourites, his summons were deliberately tailored to communicate specific themes relating to humanity,” said Jeremiah Maina, a parishioner.

Another parishioner, Milka Wangechi, recalled that the priest appeared jovial as usual last Sunday. “We were looking forward to his motivational summons full of humour on Sunday, but that was never to be.”

As investigations continue, the faithful in Nyahururu are mourning their beloved priest and demanding thorough investigations. “We want to know who killed Father Maina and why,” said Ms. Wairimu Karanja, a parishioner.

The mysterious circumstances of Father Maina’s death, the inconclusive postmortem results, and the proximity to his high-profile meeting with the former Deputy President have left many questions unanswered as authorities continue their investigation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​