11/12/2009

Irish Priest Murdered In Kenya

The Department of Foreign Affairs has revealed that an Irish priest was murdered in Kenya last night.

Fr Jeremiah Roche, 68, from Athea in west Limerick, was a member of the Kiltegan Fathers working in Kenya. According to reports this morning he was murdered during a robbery at his home in Kericho last night.

Officials said police in Kericho, north-west Kenya, have launched a murder inquiry.

It is understood that Fr Roche, who had been based in Kenya for more than 40 years, has brothers and sisters in Ireland and also family in Chicago in the US.

This morning, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin said: "I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Fr. Jeremiah Roche in such tragic circumstances. Fr. Jeremiah was a member of the Kiltegan Fathers and had dedicated his life to helping the poorest of the poor in Kenya since 1968. His untimely death is yet another terrible reminder of the threats faced daily by our missionaries and aid workers all over the world.

"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."

(DW/KMcA)

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