DCI issues update on death of Nyandarua priest John Maina
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued an update on the investigation of the death of Father John Maina, the Nyandarua Catholic priest who hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua two weeks ago.
DCI, in a statement issued via social media on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder of the priest who, until his death, was in charge of Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu, Nyandarua County.
The anti-crime agency stated that Fr Maina had attended a silver jubilee anniversary ceremony of Igwamiti Catholic parish and the ordination of Father Simon Thuita on April 27, 2025, an event that was attended by Gachagua.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder of Father John Maina from Igwamiti Parish, Nyahururu. Reports indicate that, on April 27, 2025, Fr Maina attended a silver jubilee anniversary ceremony of Igwamiti Catholic parish and the ordination of Father Simon Thuita. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by other politicians, attended the ceremony,” the DCI stated.
DCI on Maina’s death
The priest’s body, DCI says, was discovered along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway by a good Samaritan, a motorcycle rider near the Diatomite stage with bruises on the left side of his head, and is said to have told the boda boda rider that he had been abducted from Nyahururu.
Preliminary findings from an autopsy that was conducted on his body on May 19, 2025, revealed that the bruises observed on Fr Maina’s head were unlikely to be the cause of death.
The police further say that samples were collected during the autopsy and sent for further toxicological analysis.
Moreover, the DCI says it has been established that Fr Maina was being trailed by some individuals who were demanding a share of the money said to have been given to him after he presided over the Silver Jubilee Anniversary Ceremony by Gachagua.
Life in danger
Detectives are also investigating reports that Fr Maina had claimed his life was in danger.
“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,” the DCI stated.
“So far, several statements have been recorded, and detectives are actively pursuing forensic leads to reconstruct Father Maina’s final movements and arrest suspects. The authorities are committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible for this heinous act.”
