Father John Maina, the Catholic priest in charge of Igwamiti Parish in the Nyahururu Diocese, died mysteriously last week. He has been buried, while detectives continue to pursue his killers.
He was found by a Good Samaritan in the Diatomite area of Gilgil, along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, with visible injuries, and was rushed to St Joseph's Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Catholic priests, led by Diocese of Nyahururu Bishop Joseph Mbatia, during the funeral of Fr John Maina at Tabor Hill Catholic Cemetery in Ol Jororok, Nyandarua County on May 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
Father Maina, aged 43, was buried in the Catholic priests' cemetery at Tabor Hill in Ol Joro Orok, Nyandarua County. This was eight years after he took his vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to the Church into which he was born.
Calls for justice and patience dominated the emotional mass, which was presided over by the Bishop of Nyahururu, Joseph Mbatia. The clergy, family, and hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects.
Serah Wambui (left), mother of Fr John Maina, is comforted during his funeral at Tabor Hill Catholic Cemetery in Ol Jororok, Nyandarua County on May 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
In his plea, Bishop Mbatia called for patience and an end to speculation about Fr Maina’s death.
“The matter is under investigation. After detectives finish investigating Fr. Maina’s death, they will shed light and answer the questions that we have all been asking for the last week," he said.
A relative of Fr John Maina delivers his tribute through a song during the funeral at Tabor Hill Catholic Cemetery in Ol Jororok, Nyandarua County on May 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
According to Bishop Mbatia, the church is also waiting for a full report from the security agencies to find out what happened to Fr. Maina.
"I saw on media they were saying that our priest was killed and I was left wondering where they are getting their assurance. We are still following up the matter with the DCI so that we know what transpired. There is no need for speculation. We want to know the truth, which is why we are cooperating with the detectives. Let's just be patient," he told mourners.
Family members of Fr John Maina during his funeral at Tabor Hill Catholic Cemetery in Ol Jororok, Nyandarua County on May 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
The chairman of the Nyandarua Interfaith Council, Pastor Josam Kariuki, called on detectives to conduct a speedy investigation into the circumstances surrounding Fr Maina's death.
Father Robin Kimani, the assistant parish priest who worked with the late Father Maina, praised his humility and commitment to uplifting the spiritual and social well-being of his congregation. He said the priest's sudden death had sent shockwaves throughout the community.
He said that death had robbed him of a friend and a colleague who was dedicated to his pastoral work and to serving the church. He mourned Fr Maina as a compassionate man, especially towards children and the elderly in the parish.
"He was always willing to help. He was more than a spiritual leader; he was a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for many," he mourned.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Father Maina's parents, Mr Samuel Ndegwa and Ms Serah Wambui, were unable to address the mourners; a relative read their tributes on their behalf.
A relative of Fr John Maina delivers a tribute during the funeral at Tabor Hill Catholic Cemetery in Ol Jororok, Nyandarua County on May 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
They eulogised their son as a spiritual leader, a friend and confidant who was a source of light in dark times and stood with the family through joy and sorrow.
They said that Fr Maina always offered a listening ear and a prayerful heart. He gave of himself without asking for anything in return, and his hands were always busy helping others while his heart remained open.
"Though he has left this earthly life, his spirit remains in every life he touched. Rest in peace dear son. You were a gift to this world and we will carry your love with us always,” read the parents' tribute.
Diocese of Nyahururu Bishop Joseph Mbatia blesses the casket carrying the remains of Fr John Maina at the funeral held at Tabor Hill Catholic Cemetery in Ol Jororok, Nyandarua County on May 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
Father Maina, the fourth child in a family of eleven, was ordained as a priest in 2017.
Five people have so far been interrogated since Fr Maina died, with detectives pursuing various leads.
