Two Kenyan priests were killed within a week in separate conflict zones in Africa, underscoring the risks faced by missionaries working in unstable areas.
Father Victor-Luke Odhiambo, a Jesuit priest of 40 years, was shot dead after armed men stormed the Society of Jesus community centre in Cueibet, South Sudan, where he was serving as acting superior.
Father Joseph Oduor Afulo of the Eastern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus said Father Victor was watching television when the attackers entered the room. He said the priest struggled with one of them while other Jesuits were in their chambers.
“When one of them (attackers) entered the TV room, Father Victor struggled with him and was shouting as there were other Jesuits who were in their chambers. Students started coming out. They heard two gunshots and by the time they reached the room, he was lying dead,” he said.
One bullet struck him in the head and another went through his heart.
Father Joseph said three of the four gunmen were arrested after the attack. He also said the area had been experiencing heavy inter-clan fighting, forcing people to seek refuge at the Jesuit centre.
Father Victor was buried on Monday in South Sudan.
Kenyan priests make up half of the 16 Jesuit priests serving in South Sudan.
Sister Marianne Odhiambo, his sister and a nun, described him as a committed man who valued education.
In a separate killing on Wednesday night, Father Cosmas Ondari of the Mill Hill Missionaries was killed in Kembong, Cameroon.
The Mill Hill Missionaries said, “funeral details will be sent when they are known.”
According to the report, Father Cosmas was outside his church meeting refugees when government soldiers entered the church compound and opened fire.
He was hit in the thigh and chest and died on arrival at a local hospital.
Father Cosmas had been ordained in 2017 and had previously carried out missionary work in Bamenda, Cameroon, where he visited the sick and led prayer services in the local parish.
The Mill Hill Missionaries said he was appointed to the Diocese of Mamfe, Cameroon, in October 2016, and took up the posting shortly after his ordination.
