Catholic priest found dead at Nairobi seminary as police investigate suspected suicide

A 71 year old Catholic priest, Fr Alex Kalemba Motahingwa, has died in an apparent suicide at the Apostles of Jesus Major Seminary in Karen, Nairobi, according to a report by Kenya Television Network (KTN).

Fr Motahingwa, a Rwandan national, served at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Karen and was also involved in ministry at the Apostles of Jesus Major Seminary.

According to the KTN report, the priest did not join his colleagues for breakfast on Wednesday, prompting a search for him within the seminary.

He was later found dead in his room at the institution hanging on a rope.

Police who arrived at the scene reportedly found a note which contained contact details of people the priest wished to be contacted.

The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated by police.

His body has since been transferred to Montezuma Funeral Home, where it is expected to undergo a post mortem examination.

Fr Motahingwa had reportedly celebrated Mass at the seminary and at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus earlier in the week before his death.

The circumstances of his death have shocked those within the seminary and the wider Catholic community in Karen.