25th Anniversary Commemoration

Rev. Fr. John A. Kaiser was born on November 23, 1932, in Perham, Minnesota in the United States of America. He was ordained as a priest for the Mill Hill Missionaries in St. Louis in 1964 and was sent to serve in Kenya the same year. Fr. Kaiser ministered faithfully in the Diocese of Kisii for twenty (20) years, and later in Dioceses of Nakuru and Ngong.As a missionary, he devoted his life to serving the poor, advocating for justice for the oppressed and upholding human rights. At the height of ethnic violence and land clashes in Kenya in 1993, Fr. Kaiser worked tirelessly with internally displaced persons at the Maela Camp within the Diocese of Nakuru.These communities had been displaced from Enoosupukia in the Diocese of Ngong. He was later posted to Lolgorian Parish in the Ngong Diocese, within Maasai Land.

On 24th August 2000, Fr. Kaiser’s body was tragically discovered at Morendat in Naivasha, along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. While the cause of death was initially unclear, it later emerged that he had been murdered by unknown assailants. At the request of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the Government of Kenya launched an inquest into his death. The inquiry, which heard from 111 witnesses, concluded on 12th June 2007. On 1st August 2007, the then presiding Magistrate ruled that Fr. Kaiser had been murdered and dismissed the suicide theory’ as a pre-conceived notion. However, the court could not conclusively identify his killers.

Now, twenty-five (25) years later, Fr. Kaiser is fondly remembered by his family, relatives, fellow Mill Hill Missionaries (MHM), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Christians, human rights defenders, civil society and many people of goodwill. He is celebrated for his unwavering stand for justice, the rights of the vulnerable and his call for peaceful coexistence. Fr. Kaiser’s memorial is not just a remembrance of his death but a solemn day to reflect on the plight of the oppressed and marginalised in our society.

Fr. John A. Kaiser (MHM)

24th August 2000 — 24th August 2025

It has been Twenty-five (25) years since you left us under tragic circumstances. You remain ever alive in the hearts of those you loved and served — your family, the Mill Hill Missionaries (MHM), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, friends, Civil Society and the people of Kenya. This year, under the theme The Kenya We Desire’, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fr Kaiser s death on 22nd August, 2025 at Lolgorian Parish, Catholic Diocese of Ngong.

May God grant Fr. Kaiser Eternal Rest, Amen.

Rested in God’s perfect peace: 19th August 2022

It is three years since you held my hands firmly, refusing to let go. Little did I know that this would be the last time for both of us to look into each other’s eyes and understand the extent and gravity of our tacit communication. Yes, it is said that one moves on with time….but I disabuse this notion…. I will never move on…

I seem to be moving forward as I take on the challenges, embrace the opportunities…but move on…..I beg to differ. There are times that I want to share my feelings with you, I do still tell you though, but God knows, I miss your world-wise advice. I cherish the moments we shared and will be forever grateful for the time that God gave us to be together. The cover of the card that you sent me on one Valentine’s Day read: When think of those who have made a difference in my life. The inside read: I Think ofYou I value and still have on my bedside table, the ‘gift’ of a fallen bird’s feather that you picked up in our compound where you took walks with the resident nurse. I vividly recall my deep-seated love for you when, hesitantly you handed it to me and said: This is for you. You wondered whether I would appreciate it, but your doubt disappeared the moment I planted it in my hair and did a happy dance. PM, you helped many, without any reason and gave without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Your family and friends still speak highly of you and of how you impacted their lives. You remain forever alive in our hearts AMEN.

Your loving wife, partner, best friend forever, Eliza.

In Loving Memory

it has been Ten and Eighteen years respectively since you left our sight, but never our hearts. We still feel your wisdom in our choices, and see your love in the bonds that hold our family together. Your lives were a gift, a testament to grace, integrity, and devotion. Though time moves forward, your presence remains, woven into every story we tell and every prayer we say. Forever cherished. Forever missed. Forever loved.

Lovingly remembered by your children, grandchildren, relatives, friends and The Luo Council of elders.

There will be remembrance prayers at his home in Sikri Oyugis, Homabay County on the 17th of August 2025.

In Loving Memory /2nd Anniversary

Two years ago, you quietly stepped into eternity, yet not a day passes without your memory lighting our path. You were far more than any title could ever express: a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a faithful servant of God, a true shepherd to your flock and the heart of our family. You lived gently, yet with great strength. You spoke softly, yet with deep wisdom. You served humbly, yet your impact endures.

Your prayers still echo in our hearts. Your legacy continues to guide and inspire us. Your life was a sermon, not preached from the pulpit alone, but lived out in faith, kindness, and grace. Though we miss you dearly, we find comfort in knowing you now rest in the arms of the One you served so faithfully. As William Shakespeare so beautifully wrote: “And when he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night.”

You are deeply missed. You are deeply loved. You are forever ours. Forever loved by your devoted wife Grace Karoki, loving children Joseph Ngugi & Esther, Sylvia Nyambura, Eunice Mumbi, Edward Gachihi, and Alex Muriithi,your grandchildren Precious,Amber, Kelsie, Karoki, and Alexander.

Your memory lives on, forever in our hearts — from your loving family, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” — I Thessalonians 4:14