Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nakuru County have launched investigations into the suspicious death of Reverend John Maina.
Rev Maina was a Catholic priest who recently hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The lifeless body of Rev. Maina was discovered on Thursday, May 15, near the Kikopey area along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, within Gilgil Constituency.
DCI officers found his body approximately 50 meters from the Igwamiti Catholic Church, where he served under the Diocese of Nyahururu in Laikipia County.
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DCI Explains the Cause of Death of the Catholic Priest
According to Gilgil DCI head Rahamad Wasilwa, the priest’s body appeared to have been dumped at the location, raising suspicions that he could have been killed elsewhere.
“It is possible that the Catholic priest was killed somewhere else and his body was dumped there. Detectives have launched an investigation.
“But the autopsy report will provide the full details that will be used in the investigation,” Wasilwa told Taifa Leo.
Additionally, DCI officers indicated that they were unable to identify the body until family members arrived at the scene and confirmed his identity.
The body has since been transferred to the St. Benedict’s Mission Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.
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Search for John Maina Vehicle Still Ongoing
Furthermore, detectives have also launched a search for the priest’s vehicle, which remains missing.
They believe it may have been used to transport his body to the location where it was found.
Moreover, in an attempt to piece together the final hours of the priest’s life, officers are working with telecommunications provider Safaricom to trace his phone records.
“We are working with Safaricom to identify the person the priest contacted before his body was found in Kikopey. In addition, people who came into contact with him before his murder will be investigated,” Wasilwa added.
The DCI has assured the public that all leads are being followed to uncover the truth behind the priest’s untimely death.
Rev. Maina had hosted the former Deputy President at his church April 27, 2025, just about two weeks before his death.
The detail has drawn public attention as the investigation unfolds.
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