DCI Respond To Murder Of Pastor Who Hosted Gachagua

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced that it has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspicious death of Father John Maina of Igwamiti Parish, Nyahururu.

According to initial reports, Fr. Maina was last seen in public on April 27, 2025, when he attended a Silver Jubilee celebration at Igwamiti Catholic Parish, which coincided with the ordination of Father Simon Thuita.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and several other politicians.

"On May 15, 2025, Fr. Maina was discovered along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway by a good Samaritan, a motorcycle rider near the Diotomite stage with bruises on the left side of his head. He told the boda boda rider that he had been abducted from Nyahururu," the DCI wrote in part in a statement released on Tuesday, May 20.

He was rushed to St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital in Gilgil, where he succumbed to his injuries minutes after arrival, despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life. His body was later transferred to the Nyahururu Sub-County morgue for preservation and postmortem examination.

On May 19, 2025, a government pathologist, Titus Ngulungu, conducted the autopsy. Preliminary findings revealed that the head injuries sustained were unlikely to be the direct cause of death. As a result, tissue samples were taken for further toxicological analysis to determine the exact cause.

However, some media reports indicated that he suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal one to the head. It was reported that one of the bullets went through his head, severely damaging his skull. Fr Maina’s body also bore several other gunshot wounds, and by the time of the examination, there were blood stains.

Based on the state of the body, investigators expressed the belief that the killer ensured the priest was dead before leaving the scene.

"It has been established that Fr. Maina was being trailed by some individuals who were demanding a share of the money allegedly given to him after he presided over the Silver Jubilee Anniversary Ceremony by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Further, detectives are investigating reports that Fr. Maina had claimed his life was in danger, though he had not reported the same at any police station," added the statement.

Detectives have recorded several witness statements and are analysing forensic evidence to reconstruct Fr. Maina’s final movements and identify potential suspects. The DCI has assured the public that no effort will be spared in pursuing justice in this case.

The public has been urged to come forward with any information that may aid the investigation by contacting the nearest police station or using the DCI’s toll-free lines: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203).

As speculation continues to circulate across social media platforms, the DCI appealed for calm and patience.

"Our team of dedicated investigators is working diligently to resolve this matter with the utmost integrity and thoroughness to secure justice for the victim and hold accountable those who are responsible for this heinous act," concluded DCI.