The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Friday morning that a Limerick priest has been killed during a brutal and violent robbery at his home in St. Patrick’s Keongo Parish, south west Kenya.
Fr Jeremiah Roche, a member of the Kiltegan Fathers and a native of Athea in West Limerick, had been working with the poor in Kenya since 1968. It’s suspected he was murdered during the break-in at his home in the Kericho district late Thursday night. Local media reported in Kenya that the raiders gained entry into the 68 year old’s bedroom through a window, stripped him naked, tied his hands and slit his throat before smashing his head.
A Police spokesperson says all that appears to have been taken were some mobile phones, a CD player and some money.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin confirmed the news in a statement Friday morning saying he was “deeply shocked and saddened” to hear of the death of Fr. Roche in such tragic circumstances.
“I have spoken to the Kiltegan Fathers and to Mr. Roche’s family this morning to convey my deepest sympathies and to offer all possible assistance. Our Honorary Consul in Kenya will be maintaining close contact with the Kenyan authorities to ensure that a full investigation is carried out and that every effort is made to apprehend Fr. Roche’s attackers. My thoughts are with Fr. Roche’s family, his colleagues and friends at this difficult time”, Minister Martin said Friday morning.
Irish President Mary McAleese expressed her deepest sympathy to the family of Fr. Roche and the entire community of Kiltegan Fathers. “Our thoughts and prayers are especially with the Roche family as they face this sad loss and tragic news”, the President said.
Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche said the brutal manner in which Fr. Roche was murdered is “a terrible and traumatic event for the Kiltegan Fathers and for Fr Roche’s family.”
Fine Gael Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Billy Timmins said the incident shows the “many dangers” which missionaries such as Fr. Roche face while serving abroad.
“This is a tragic and shocking event and I am calling on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to liaise with the authorities in Kenya so that every effort is made to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice”, he said.
A full murder investigation has been launched by Kenyan authorities. His body has been removed to Kericho’s Siloam hospital where a post mortem will be carried out.
This is absolutely sickening stuff. My condolences to his family
CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. A wonderful man who lived the christian message to the full. He died tragically but his memory and kindness will endure.