Gachagua mourns slain Nyandarua priest as close friend

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has mourned the slain Nyandarua Catholic Priest Fr John Maina Ndegwa.

In a statement, Gachagua described Ndegwa as “my personal friend and counsellor for a long time”.

“The passing on of Fr John Maina Ndegwa, the Parish priest, Igwamiti Parish in Nyandarua, is utterly painful,” he said.

The DCP leader described Ndegwa as “a great soul and a shepherd of the Lord's flock”.

He said the late man of cloth lived in truth and spoke honestly without fear or favour, just as Christ would have done.

Gachagua confirmed that two weeks before he met his death, Ndegwa hosted him for his silver jubilee celebrations.

“He gave a powerful sermon and spoke out his mind on the state of the nation,” he said.

“I met him several times, and we discussed many issues of national interest.”

Gachagua also sent condolences to the church for its loss.

“I pass my deepest sympathies to the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu, Catholic Faithful of Igwamiti Parish, and the Catholic fraternity,” he said.

“I pray to Almighty God to rest the soul of Fr John in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon him forever.”

Gachagua called on the responsible authorities to ensure justice prevails.

“I call upon the security agencies to speed up the investigation and bring the culprits of this heinous act to book,” he said.

On May 15, Fr Ndegwa was found on the roadside unconscious and with serious injuries.

He was rushed to St Mary Hospital in Gilgil town but was declared dead upon arrival.

Police said they suspect he was injured elsewhere and his body was dumped at the site.

Officials said investigations into the murder are underway.

In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations claimed his assailants might have been targeting a donation reportedly made.

DCI said the priest had been trailed by individuals demanding a share of money.

The agency added that Fr Ndegwa had earlier confided that his life was in danger, but no formal complaint had been filed.