Fr. John Hannon SMA was born in Ireland on 22nd April 1933, ordained 18th December 1967 and worked in Nigeria for 25 years before eventually coming to Kenya and then Ngong Diocese in 1998.
On Wednesday 24th November 2004 a gang of some 20 men broke into Fr. Hannon’s house around midnight after tying up the watchman. There had been several murder cases in the area at that time that seemed to have been the work of a hit squad, yet with no apparent motive. After a struggle the intruders brutally beat and killed Fr. John and then dragged him near the road where his body lay, covered with blood and was found in the early hours of 25th of November 2004. The whole community was shocked by the brutal murder of Fr. John Hannon, a priest who had done so much for the community living in Matasia. He was buried in the compound of Matasia on 3rd December 2004. The funeral was attended by very many people who comprised of the laity, priests, religious, Bishops and the Papal Nuncio.
After his tragic death and burial, Rev. Fr. John Nderitu Mwangi became the acting Fr. In- Charge from November 2004 to 1st January 2006 when he was confirmed as Fr. In charge, a position which he held until 15th January 2008. Fr. Edward Tajeu Ololchoki was his assistant from 10th January 2006 to 1st February 2008. Fr. David Mwangi was then appointed as the Fr. In- Charge on 16th January 2008- a position which he held upto 5th November 2009 when he took a leave of absence. Fr. Charles Ndemange was then appointed as the Fr. In- Charge on 3rd November 2009. He held this position up to 2nd February 2011. Fr. Thomas Chepkwony was his assistant from 21st June 2010 to 2nd February 2011. Fr. Joseph Nkalami also served as an assistant temporarily between March 2010 to June 2011 when he left for Rome for further studies. Fr. John Ntiseyia was then appointed as the Fr. In- Charge on 2nd February2011 a position which he holds up to date. Fr. Ambrose Musyoka was his assistant from 2nd February 2011 to 1st August 2012. Fr. Anthony Ndungu came in as a resident priest and acting assistant though he is full time in the Diocesan Finance office as the Administrator.
