In a shocking turn of events, a Catholic priest identified as Joseph Kariuki, 43, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a three-star hotel in Muranga County.
The incident exposed a clandestine affair between the priest and his alleged 32-year-old girlfriend, raising questions about his commitment to his priestly vocation.
Father Kariuki had left his Ruai parish in Nairobi on Friday, seeking a discreet getaway to Gatanga Sub-county with his companion.
Little did he know that tragedy awaited him the following morning.
According to witnesses, Father Kariuki had been a familiar face at the hotel for the past two years, known for his friendly demeanour and generosity.
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An employee at the hotel shared, "He had been our customer for two years and was a good man - amiable, vivacious but demanding of his secrecy. We all knew how to treat him properly, and he returned the favour by giving us good tips, for he was a man with deep pockets. We knew he was a priest, but that was none of our business."
Police reports say the woman noticed him slipping into unconsciousness, prompting her to contact the hotel management for urgent assistance.
"The girlfriend also identified herself as the priest's colleague at Ruai Parish. She told the management that her boyfriend was dizzy and unconscious. She wanted immediate help to take him to hospital," the report read in part.
Authorities were alerted, and police officers from the Samura Police Patrol Base arrived at the scene.
They discovered the priest's lifeless body in his personal car, partially covered with a hotel bed sheet, with white foam emanating from his mouth and nose.
The officers swiftly arranged for his transfer to Kenol Hospital in Murang'a South Sub-County, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The investigation into this puzzling incident has been initiated by local law enforcement.
Crime scene investigators meticulously processed both the hotel room where the couple had spent the night and the priest's vehicle.
Samples of the food and beverages consumed by the pair were collected for further analysis, shedding light on the events leading up to the tragic outcome.
Gatanga sub-county police boss, Laurence Njeru, commented on the investigation, stating, "The woman was questioned and provided a detailed account of their activities in the room until the moment tragedy struck."
The police report also indicated that the woman identified herself as a colleague of the deceased from Ruai Parish.
Authorities have transferred the body of Father Kariuki to Mater Hospital mortuary in Nairobi, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the precise cause of his untimely demise.
The Catholic leadership has remained tight-lipped about the incident. When approached for comment, Murang'a Catholic head Maria Wainaina simply stated, "Let's wait for due process," implying that the matter will be handled in accordance with established protocols.
The circumstances surrounding the priest's death have sent shockwaves through the community, casting a spotlight on the challenges faced by religious figures in maintaining their commitment to celibacy.
As details emerge, the public eagerly awaits further updates on this tragic tale of forbidden love and its fateful consequences.
