A post-mortem conducted on the body of Catholic priest Father John Maina Ndegwa has revealed inconclusive results regarding the cause of his death.
The examination, which was carried out on Monday, May 19, in Nyahururu, revealed that the priest had minor bruises on his head.
However, according to a police officer who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity, the injuries were not severe enough to be considered the cause of death.
Additionally, samples of Father Maina’s internal organs have been sent for toxicological analysis to determine whether poisoning may have been involved.
“A physical examination of the body indicated that he had minor bruises on his head, which are unlikely to be the cause of death. We are waiting for the toxicology report to establish if any harmful substances were involved,” said the officer.
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New Details on the Death of Father John Maina
Father Maina, who served under the Catholic Diocese of Laikipia, was found by a passerby along the roadside near Kikopey in Gilgil on Thursday, May 15.
The good Samaritan rushed the priest to St Joseph’s Hospital, where briefly and faintly communicated with doctors before passing away.
According to the officer, the priest had not given any useful information to the healthcare workers.
“The resident took him to St Joseph’s Hospital, where he briefly communicated with the doctors. Unfortunately, he died before he was able to provide information about the circumstances surrounding his condition,” the officer added.
At the same time, the officer revealed that Father John Maina’s vehicle which had been reported missing, had been found.
Police have confirmed that the car was found abandoned in Nyahururu, kilometers away from where the priest’s lifeless body was discovered.
“The priest’s vehicle is still in Nyahururu, so we do not know how or with whom he travelled to Kikopey. It appears someone may have harmed him elsewhere and then dumped him in Kikopey as a cover-up,” the officer explained.
Investigations are ongoing as police await the toxicology results to determine the next course of action.
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Gachagua Roped In
Earlier, police believed that the priest had been moved to the location where he was found.
Also, 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,” Gilgil DCI head Rahamad Wasilwa added.
Rev. Maina had hosted the former Deputy President at his church April 27, 2025, just about two weeks before his death.
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