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Police in Nakuru and Nyandarua counties are investigating the gruesome killing of a Catholic priest, Fr. John Maina Ndegwa.
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Fr. Ndegwa, who served as the parish priest at Igwamiti Catholic Parish in Nyandarua, was discovered unconscious with severe injuries along the roadside in Kikopey, Gilgil—over 50 kilometers from his parish—on Friday, May 16. He died at the scene from the injuries sustained.
Investigators suspect that he may have been attacked elsewhere, and his body later dumped at the site. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and a homicide team has now joined the investigation to track his last movements and identify potential suspects. Authorities have already questioned individuals who were last seen with the priest.
“We are awaiting the autopsy to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death,” a police officer involved in the case stated.
Fr. Ndegwa was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Gilgil, but efforts to save him were unsuccessful. Bishop Joseph Mbatia of the Nyahururu Diocese confirmed his passing, expressing sorrow over the loss.
Police also revealed that the priest’s vehicle, a Subaru, is missing, and efforts to locate it are ongoing. Gilgil DCI Chief Rahamad Wasilwa noted that the condition and location of the body suggested he was likely murdered elsewhere.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu mourned the cleric, recalling a recent church event where Fr. Ndegwa hosted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other officials. “We are in deep shock,” Methu wrote in a heartfelt social media post.
Over the weekend, clergy and faithful gathered at St. Louis Church in Igwamiti Parish to honor and pray for the fallen priest. Many mourners also shared their grief on social media, remembering him as a committed servant and spiritual leader.
The priest’s untimely and violent death has left the religious community and local residents reeling. A postmortem is set to be carried out at St. Benedict Catholic Mission Hospital to provide more insights and assist in the ongoing investigations.
