Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have linked the murder of Father John Maina, a priest from Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu, to a cash gift allegedly given by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Fr. Maina’s body was discovered on May 15 along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway near the Diotomite stage by a motorcycle rider.
The priest reportedly told the rider that he had been abducted from Nyahururu.
Fr. Maina had attended a silver jubilee celebration at Igwamiti Catholic Parish on April 27, which also marked the ordination of Father Simon Thuita.
The event was attended by several politicians, including Gachagua, who reportedly gave the church a monetary gift.
According to investigators, it has now emerged that Fr. Maina was being trailed by individuals allegedly demanding a share of the money he had received during the event.
After discovering the injured priest, the rider took him 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 away while undergoing treatment, just minutes after being admitted,” the DCI said in a statement.
A post-mortem conducted on Monday by government pathologist Dr. Ngulungu revealed that the bruises on Fr. Maina’s head were unlikely to be the cause of death.
“Consequently, samples were collected and sent for further toxicological analysis,” the DCI added.
Detectives are also investigating reports that Fr. Maina had expressed fears for his life, although he is not believed to have reported any threats to the police.
