Missionary from Clare murdered near Nairobi

Police in Kenya are investigating the murder of an Irish priest, who spent his working life helping the poor in Africa.

The Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, led the tributes last night to Fr John Hannon, who was killed during a suspected robbery at his home 15 miles from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Police said up to 10 men attacked the parish house at Matasia in the Diocese of Ngong on Wednesday night, having first tied up the night watchman.

Fr Hannon (65) attempted to escape but was caught by an assailant who hit him over the head. He was killed instantly.

"The thugs then went into the house and ransacked it, but it has not been established what was stolen," a spokesman said.

The spokesman said the police were following specific leads and hoped to make early arrests.

Fr Hannon, from Killula, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare, had been in Kenya for the past 10 years. Previously, he spent 25 years in Lagos, Nigeria.

Dr Walsh said he was "shocked and saddened" at the news.

"Fr Hannon's death is a reminder to all of us of the extraordinary commitment and faith of our Irish missionaries throughout the world. It is hard to believe that the life and ministry of this dedicated priest could have been ended in such an untimely manner."

Fr Hannon's family were said to be "shocked and devastated" yesterday. Speaking on their behalf, his sister-in-law, Ms Anne Hannon, described him as "a wonderful man with great energy and foresight".

She said: "Fr John did fear for his safety a little bit. There have been some murders and shootings in the area he lived in, but he was a fearless man and very committed to the people he served."

Three years ago, Fr Hannon was attacked by a woman with a knife while celebrating Mass in Kenya. He required 20 stitches. He also underwent a quadruple bypass operation but insisted on returning to work in Africa.

Fr Tom Curran, communications director of the SMA, described Fr Hannon as "an earnest helper of the less well-off. He had a long and proven record in the building of centres for the training and education of young people in practical skills."

Fr Hannon was just completing a parish hall in Matasia and had started a €14,000 project to equip it as a training centre. He organised training for local Masai people in areas such as domestic economy, secretarial work, hairdressing, sewing and knitting.

Dr Mike Meegan, an Irish AIDS researcher who lived nearby, said Fr Hannon was "a gentle and popular man". He was well thought of but violence was growing in the slum areas where he worked.

Fr Hannon is survived by five brothers and two sisters. The eldest, Fr Tim Hannon, is a priest in Florida.