Taoiseach Brian Cowen has called for a full investigation by the Kenyan authorities into the murder of an Irish priest in a robbery there in the early hours of this morning.Fr Jeremiah Roche (68) from Athea in west Limerick, was a member of the Kiltegan Fathers and had been based in Kenya for more than 40 years.
He was murdered during the robbery at his home in Kericho at about 4am this morning.
Fr Tom Kiggins of the Kiltegan Fathers in Co Wicklow said the news had come as a terrible shock. Fr Roche's family in Limerick were informed of the news by the Kiltegan Fathers at about 7am this morning.
It is understood he has brothers and sisters in Ireland and also family in Chicago in the US.
"He was broken into during the night and he was killed. He lived alone and he has been in Kenya since 1968. He spent all his time in the same area. He built a number of churches during his time and set up parishes in the area."
Fr Kiggins said had worked in the area himself and knew it well. Fr Roche had been a good friend of his and that he travelled back to Ireland every two or three years. He had just finished building a new church in his parish.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen called for "a full investigation" by the Kenyan authorities to ensure Fr Roche's killers are caught.
Speaking in Brussels shortly after the end of a meeting with fellow EU leaders, Mr Cowen offered sympathies to the family of the murdered priest.
“I want to extend my sympathies to the family of Fr Roche, who was tragically murdered in Kenya. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has ensured that there will be 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. We send our sympathies to his family."
In a statement, 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."
Mr Martin said he had spoken to the Kiltegan Fathers and to Fr Roche’s family this morning to convey his 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."
Fine Gael spokesman on foreign affairs Billy Timmins expressed his sympathy to Fr Roche’s family, relatives and friends and to the Kiltegan Fathers.
“It is deeply sad to learn of Fr Roche’s death. This is a tragic and shocking event and I am calling on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to liaise with the authorities in Kenya so that every effort is made to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Once again this incident shows the many dangers which our missionaries and NGOs face while serving abroad."
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