Murdered Catholic priest John Maina was trailed over Gachagua cash gift - DCI reveals

Detectives investigating the brutal murder of Father John Maina from Igwamiti Parish, Nyahururu, now allege that his assailants might have been targeting a donation reportedly made by the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

According to the new revelations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday, the priest had been trailed by individuals demanding a share of money he allegedly received from Gachagua who, together with other politicians, attended a church event on April 27 that Fr. Maina presided over.

Police also say the priest had earlier confided that his life was in danger, but no formal complaint had been filed.

“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,” DCI noted.

“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.”

Preliminary reports also show that, contrary to reports surrounding the death of Father Maina, he died shortly after claiming he had been abducted in Nyahururu.

DCI dispelled earlier allegations that the man of the cloth was murdered and his body dumped along the Nakuru–Nairobi highway, saying that he died while undergoing treatment at St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital in Gilgil.

“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,” DCI stated.

“The rider took Fr. Maina to St. Joseph's Mission Hospital in Gilgil. Upon arrival at the hospital, he displayed visible injuries, including bruises on the left side of his head, which were oozing blood. Tragically, despite the efforts of medical personnel, Fr. Maina passed on while undergoing treatment minutes after being admitted.”

His body was then moved to the Nyahururu Sub-County morgue upon request by his fellow worshippers for preservation and autopsy.

DCI further says an autopsy conducted later on May 19, 2025 by government pathologist Dr. Titus Ngulungu ruled out the head injuries as the direct cause of death, and the development has now prompted further toxicological tests.

While urging the public to remain calm amid rising speculations, DCI says several statements have already been recorded to help with investigations.