An investigation has been launched following the mysterious death of Father John Maina, a Catholic priest from Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu, who was found injured and later died under unclear circumstances.
In a statement on Tuesday, May 20, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that Maina died barely a month after hosting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a church event.
According to the investigating agency, Maina was last seen in public on April 27, 2025, during the event attended by Gachagua and other leaders.
Two weeks later, on Thursday, May 15, DCI states that the priest was discovered along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway with visible injuries.
"Reports indicate that, on April 27, 2025, Fr. Maina attended a silver jubilee anniversary ceremony of Igwamiti Catholic parish and the ordination of Father Simon Thuita. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by other politicians, attended the ceremony.
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"On May 15, 2025, Fr. Maina was discovered along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway by a good Samaritan, a motorcycle rider near the Diotomite stage with bruises on the left side of his head. He told the boda boda rider that he had been abducted from Nyahururu," the statement read.
The good Samaritan rushed Maina to St. Joseph's Mission Hospital in Gilgil where he was admitted with visible injuries on the left side of his head.
Unfortunately, he passed away within minutes of being admitted.
"The rider took Fr. Maina to St. Joseph's Mission Hospital in Gilgil. Upon arrival at the hospital, he displayed visible injuries, including bruises on the left side of his head, which were oozing blood.
"Tragically, despite the efforts of medical personnel, Fr. Maina passed on while undergoing treatment minutes after being admitted. His body was moved to the Nyahururu Sub-County morgue upon request by his fellow worshippers for preservation and autopsy," the statement added.
Maina's body was later transferred to the Nyahururu Sub-County morgue where a postmortem examination was conducted on Monday, May 19.
"On May 19, 2025, the autopsy was conducted by Dr. Ngulungu, a government pathologist. Preliminary findings revealed that the bruises observed on Fr. Maina's head were unlikely to be the cause of death. Consequently, samples were collected and sent for further toxicological analysis," the statement continued.
DCI noted that investigators are pursuing a lead involving possible extortion, following claims that Maina was being trailed.
Additionally, authorities are looking into reports that Maina had expressed fears for his safety.
"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.
"Further, detectives are investigating reports that Fr. Maina had claimed his life was in danger, though he had not reported the same at any police station," the statement further read.
DCI said several witnesses have been questioned, and forensic teams are analyzing evidence in an effort to piece together Maina's final hours.
"So far, several statements have been recorded, and detectives are actively pursuing forensic leads to reconstruct Father Maina’s final movements and arrest suspects. The authorities are committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible for this heinous act.
"The DCI urges the public to remain calm amidst the swirling speculations on various digital platforms. Our team of dedicated investigators is working diligently to resolve this matter with the utmost integrity and thoroughness to secure justice for the victim and hold accountable those who are responsible for this heinous act," the statement concluded.
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