The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched serious investigations into the mysterious death of Father John Maina, a Catholic priest from Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu.
Fr. Maina was last seen on April 27, 2025, during a major church event, the Silver Jubilee of Igwamiti Catholic Parish and the ordination of Fr. Simon Thuita. The celebration was attended by important leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
But just two weeks later, on May 15, Fr. Maina was found badly injured by a boda boda rider along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, near the Diotomite stage. The priest had head bruises and was bleeding. He told the rider that he had been kidnapped in Nyahururu.
He was rushed to St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital in Gilgil, but sadly, he died shortly after arrival.
Detectives immediately began piecing together the events leading to his death. His body was later taken to the Nyahururu Sub-County morgue for preservation and postmortem.
On May 19, government pathologist Dr. Ngulungu carried out an autopsy. The results showed that the visible injuries were not the cause of death. Experts took samples for further tests, including checking for poison.
So far, investigations have revealed that Fr. Maina was being followed and threatened by people who wanted money they believed he received after the church event. Detectives have also learned that he feared for his life, though he never reported it to the police.
Several people have already given statements, and police are now looking into phone records, CCTV footage, and other clues to track his final steps and find those responsible.
