Casket bearing the remains of Fr. John Maina Ndegwa
Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu Joseph Mbatia has
urged members of the public to stop speculating about the last week's demise of
Igwamiti Catholic Parish priest as they wait for conclusion of the ongoing
investigation.
Bishop Mbatia, who was presiding over the funeral service of
the late Fr. John Maina Ndegwa, said that so far, the Directorate of Criminal
Investigation (DCI) has not concluded what led to the death of the priest.
He, however, noted that the Diocese is hoping for the conclusion
of the investigations to find out those who were involved and the motive behind
the killing as soon as possible.
The Bishop called upon the public to be patient as the DCI
and the Homicide unit carry out the investigation to the latter.
“The late Fr. Maina was a dedicated and diligent servant of
God who was always ready to go out of his way to give a helping hand to
everyone in need,” said Mbatia
He was also eulogized as a priest and a brother who touched
the lives of his congregants and friends at the pastoral field by putting first
their interests before his own.
Chairperson Nyandarua Interfaith Council, Archbishop Josham
Kariuki, eulogised him as having a promising life in God's service; however, his
life was cut short, appealing for calm as investigations are being concluded to
know what transpired, those involved and the motive behind it.
Johnson Maina, an uncle to the deceased, said that though the
family is bleeding and aching because of being left by one of their beloved, they cannot blame God for whatever happened, as he appreciated the diocese for
providing a shoulder to lean on during this trying moment.
“We are appealing to the DCI and Homicide Unit to move with speed and conclude their investigations as soon as possible to ensure that the assailants are apprehended and face the full force of the law,” said Maina (the uncle).
The Late Fr. Maina, 43, who was laid to rest on Thursday at
Tabor Hill Spiritual Centre, Ol Joroorok in Nyandarua County was ordained to
priesthood in 2017 and served as parish priest at various parishes within
Diocese of Nyahururu for eight years.
Before his demise, he was serving at Igwamiti Catholic
Parish, under the Diocese of Nyahururu and was reportedly found unconscious
with injuries by the roadside at Kikopey, Gilgil along the Nairobi-Nakuru
highway one week ago.
