Wamuzi News Ke
A chilling twist has emerged in the shocking murder of Father John Maina, a respected priest from Igwamiti Parish, Nyandarua County, whose lifeless body was found dumped along the busy Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) now says Fr. Maina may have been targeted by individuals demanding a share of cash allegedly handed out during a high-profile church function graced by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The event, held just two weeks before his death, marked the church’s 25th anniversary—a celebration that now casts a dark shadow.
On the morning of Thursday, May 15, horrified motorists discovered Fr. Maina’s body near Kikopey, roughly 50 kilometers from his church. According to a postmortem conducted at Pope Benedict Catholic Hospital morgue, the priest had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the head. One bullet tore through his skull, leaving no doubt it was a brutal execution.
While the priest never filed a formal police report, investigators now confirm he had confided fears for his life. The DCI believes he was being trailed by individuals seeking a portion of the money allegedly disbursed after the church function led by Gachagua.
In a disturbing revelation, a boda boda rider who found the priest alive but injured told authorities that Fr. Maina confessed to being kidnapped from Nyahururu. He had visible bruises and was bleeding profusely.
The Good Samaritan rushed him to St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital in Gilgil, where medics fought to save him—but he succumbed shortly after admission.
As detectives race to retrace the priest’s final moments, they’ve confirmed multiple witness statements have been collected. The hunt for forensic clues is underway, and authorities vow to bring his killers to justice.
Adding to the mystery, Fr. Maina’s Subaru vehicle is still missing—and investigators believe it may have been used to transport and dump his body.
DCI is appealing to the public to come forward with any leads. Kenyans can report anonymously via toll-free lines 999, 112, or FichuaKwaDCI at 0800 722 203.
With rumors swirling online, authorities urge the public to remain calm as the investigation intensifies.
“This was not just a killing—it was a calculated hit,” a detective close to the case said. “We won’t rest until the truth is known and justice is served.”
