On Friday, 22nd August 2025, the Mill Hill Missionaries, together with the faithful of Sacred Heart Parish, Lolgorian in the Catholic Diocese of Ngong, gathered to mark the 25th Anniversary of the late Rev. Fr. John Anthony Kaiser, MHM.
Fr. Kaiser’s lifeless body was found along the Naivasha–Nakuru road on 24th August 2000. His death was a painful reminder of the cost of prophetic witness. He lived out the Mill Hill charism of responding to Christ’s call in the poor, embodying the motto Amare et Servire — “to love and to serve.” Known throughout Kenya as a fearless champion of the poor, marginalised, and voiceless, he shed his blood in defense of victims of injustice and abuse.
The annual commemoration of his martyr-like witness, organised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Justice and Peace Department, was graced this year by members of his family, including his nephew Christopher Kaiser and Elizabeth from the Diocese of Minnesota.
The celebration, presided over by Rt. Rev. John Obala Owaa, Bishop of Ngong assisted by Bishop Salesius Mugambi, Bishop of Meru Diocese and Vice Chairman of CJPD – KCCB, featured the reading of a statement from KCCB by Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe, Chairman of the Commission for Justice and Peace. In it, Bishop Simon Peter affirmed: “Fr. Kaiser lived the Gospel not merely in words, but through decisive action. He became a moral conscience for both the Church and the nation, refusing to be complicit in systems of oppression.”
A second edition of Fr. Kaiser’s powerful book, If I Die, was also launched and distributed to participants as a reminder of his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. No doubt, Fr. Kaiser truly had the “smell of the sheep” to extent of laying down his life in defense of those he loved to serve.
As Mill Hill Missionaries, we remain deeply grateful for the life and witness of Fr. Kaiser and for the Church’s commitment to remembering his legacy.
May the late Rev. Fr. John Anthony Kaiser’s courageous spirit continue to inspire many to act with justice, and may his soul rest in eternal peace with the Lord. Amen.
Hillary Awiti, MHM
