The Catholic Diocese of Kitui is in deep mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Deacon Denis Bernard Maithya, who died in a road accident on Wednesday evening along the Mwingi–Nguni Road at Kyanundu.
According to the Diocese, Deacon Denis was involved in a fatal accident last evening and died on the spot, sending shockwaves across the Catholic faithful in Kitui County and beyond. His passing comes barely weeks after his ordination to the diaconate on December 8, 2025.
At the time of his death, Deacon Denis was serving at St. Patrick’s Parish, Nguni, where he had already endeared himself to parishioners through his dedication to pastoral work and service to the Church.
Born to Boniface Maithya Kisungi and Cecilia Muia Maithya, the late Deacon hailed from St. Paul’s–Kasyala Parish. He was the third-born in a family of five children.
His academic and spiritual journey began at Kyeni Primary School, where he studied between 2001 and 2010, before proceeding to WeaverBird High School in Kitale from 2011 to 2014. He later joined St. Mary’s Propaedeutic Seminary in Molo for his spiritual year between 2016 and 2017.
From 2017 to 2020, Deacon Denis pursued philosophical studies at St. Augustine’s Senior Seminary, Mabanga, before proceeding to St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Nairobi for theological studies from 2021 to 2025. He graduated from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) on October 24, 2025.
During his formation as a seminarian, Deacon Denis undertook pastoral assignments across several parishes, including Ikutha, Kabati, Miambani, Katutu, Mutomo, Nuu, Nguni, and Museve Parishes—experiences that shaped his commitment to pastoral service and community engagement.
The Diocese, clergy, and faithful have expressed heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, and friends, describing his death as a profound loss to the Church at a time when he was preparing for full priestly ministry.
“We continue to pray for the repose of his soul and for God’s comfort upon his family during this painful moment,” the Diocese said in a statement.
Deacon Denis Maithya is remembered as a devoted servant of God whose life and ministry were cut short at the dawn of his service.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
