How murdered journalist’s family learnt of his death

On Tuesday, the family of seasoned journalist John Gatonye Gathura received a call from a Kiambu-based administrator asking them to visit the Naivasha criminal investigations office.

The family, according to the journalist’s nephew, Mr George Gatonye, were not aware that the writer had gone missing from his South B home more than a month ago.

“We went to the offices on Wednesday and we were informed that the police had collected the body of our relative a month ago at a secluded place in the Kihoto area,” he told the Nation.

Accompanied by one of his uncles, he proceeded to the Naivasha Sub-county Hospital mortuary where they positively identified the body.

“It came as a shocker to us. We never knew he had gone missing. He was an introvert who mostly kept to himself,” said the nephew.

The last time the two had a lengthy conversation was almost eight months ago, when the journalist asked his nephew to lend him Sh10,000.

Threat to Gathura’s life

“He admitted that he was having financial difficulties at the time and I duly sent the money to him,” said Mr Gatonye.

He admitted that the death of his uncle was a big blow to him.

“I am devastated by the death,” he added.  

He said the family was not aware of any threat to Mr Gathura’s life.

“He had not expressed fear for his life,” said the nephew. “It was clear my uncle was strangled by unknown assailants,” he said. 

According to the Naivasha sub county Criminal Investigations Department boss, Mr Adan Hassan, worshippers headed to the secluded place alerted the police about the body on October 26.