John Maina: Tearful Farewell to Catholic Priest Found Dead after Hosting Rigathi Gachagua

• Hundreds of faithful gathered at Tabor Hill Spiritual Centre to honour Father John Maina, who died under mysterious circumstances
• Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as fellow priests carried his pearl-white casket into the church
• The 42-year-old priest died after being assaulted and abandoned on a roadside just weeks after hosting Rigathi Gachagua

A sombre cloud hung over Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu as hundreds of mourners gathered at the Tabor Hill Spiritual Centre to bid farewell to Father John Maina Ndegwa

Inside Father Maina's funeral

The beloved Catholic priest tragically lost his life under mysterious and brutal circumstances.

The emotional funeral service for the 42-year-old cleric drew a huge crowd, including fellow priests, parishioners, and local leaders who turned up to honour a man remembered for his humility and service to the church.

Photos seen by TUKO.co.ke captured the heavy moment fellow priests carried Maina’s pearl-white casket into the church compound, their faces heavy with grief.

The casket was later placed near the altar where a solemn Catholic service was held, complete with the final rites, including incense-burning to symbolise prayers for the departed.

Maina’s sudden death shocked the country, coming barely two weeks after he hosted former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua during the Igwamiti Parish’s 25th Family Day celebration on April 27.

The priest was allegedly hijacked by unknown assailants, assaulted with a blunt object, and later dumped along a road in Kikopey, Gilgil.

He was rushed to St Joseph Hospital in Gilgil, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

His passing left a gaping void in the hearts of parishioners, many of whom remembered him for his unwavering faith, kind demeanour, and devotion to nurturing the spiritual growth of his community.

The church service later moved outside, where mourners continued to sing, pray, and celebrate Maina’s life.

Watch the video below:

Here are some messages of sympathy from netizens:

Perminus Muchira:

"May he rest in peace."

Safara Wa Mungu:

"May his soul rest in enternal life."

Jackie Joxeh

"Hii imenikumbusha kifo cha Fr wetu Fr Macheal, continue resting in peace father."

David Mugambi:

"They killed you father, they celebrate your death, May the Lord God you preached with the clarion " believe and proclaim the gospel" avenge your death... rest in peace Fr Maina."

Blessed Gakuya:

"Shine on your way...father John Maina."

Wambui Jane:

"This is soo disheartening may he RIP 😭😭😭😭and may his killers never know peace."

Simon Mwangi:

"Why Catholic is so silent about this death."

Esther Kamau:

"This is sad indeed...why did they have to kill him??..now the ones who killed the politician was brought to book...and are known...what about the ones who killed this servant of God..?..May God of Heavens fight for him..Rest with angels father."

Felie Francis:

"Rest in peace, Father only God knows what happened."

Lydia Mydia:

"Too painful and sad. Rest in eternal peace, Fr John."

Had Father Maina said his life was in danger?

TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the late priest had voiced fears about his safety prior to the incident.

Despite his concerns, the DCI noted that no formal complaint had been lodged. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are still ongoing.

Father Maina was discovered by a boda boda rider along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, critically injured but still alive.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke