The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
Funeral Mass Service of the late Rev. Father John Maina Ndegwa at Tabor Hill, Ol Jororok constituency. [Courtesy]
The burial ceremony of Rev. Father John Maina Ndegwa, the Catholic priest in charge of Igwamiti Parish under the Nyahururu Diocese, is currently taking place at Tabor Hill in Ol Joro Orok, Nyandarua County.
Father Maina’s death has shocked many, with the circumstances still shrouded in mystery.
According to Nyahururu Diocese Bishop Joseph Mbatia, the Church is awaiting a full report from government authorities who are actively investigating the case.
The priest was found unconscious with visible injuries along the roadside in the Kikopey area of Gilgil, Nakuru County, and was later confirmed dead.
As the faithful gathered to pay their final respects, questions linger about what exactly happened to Father Maina. Church leaders and the wider community have called for a thorough investigation and swift justice.
Burial ceremony of Rev. Father John Maina Ndegwa, the Catholic priest in charge of Igwamiti Parish under the Nyahururu Diocese. [Courtesy]
He was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital by Good Samaritans but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Eight days after Father John Maina Ndegwa of Gathanje Catholic Church in Ol Joro Orok Parish, succumbed to injuries sustained after allegedly being thrown from a moving car, the motive behind the incident remains unclear, even as burial preparations continue.
According to Gilgil Deputy County Commissioner Willy Cheboi, a group of motorcycle operators came to Father Ndegwa's aid and rushed him to St. Mary’s Hospital.
Burial ceremony of Rev. Father John Maina Ndegwa, the Catholic priest in charge of Igwamiti Parish under the Nyahururu Diocese. [Courtesy]
While in the hospital, the priest was able to recount to doctors how he had been kidnapped, drugged, and then thrown from the car.
"The information we received from the hospital indicates that the priest was conscious and was able to narrate what had transpired," Cheboi stated.
Tragically, Father Ndegwa succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment, leaving investigators and the faithful with numerous unanswered questions.
"Fellow priests from Nyahururu visited the morgue the following day to collect the body as DCI officers began their investigations into the incident,” Cheboi added.
On Monday, the mystery surrounding the priest's death deepened during a post-mortem examination conducted in Nyahururu, as the church's top leadership declined to comment on the situation.
Burial ceremony of Rev. Father John Maina Ndegwa, the Catholic priest in charge of Igwamiti Parish under the Nyahururu Diocese. [Courtesy]
The pathologist responsible for the postmortem was also instructed to speak to the press.
A source from the church expressed that this incident had left them in confusion, grappling with questions about who kidnapped the priest, why it happened, and where the incident took place.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
"The priest's car was found intact in the church compound, and Nyahururu Catholic Bishop Joseph Mbatia has remained silent regarding the incident," reported a worshiper.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join