The mourners, who had travelled from Nairobi, were escorting the body of the beloved priest to his home country for burial.
Father Msuri, a Tanzanian national, served as a priest at Sacred Heart-Dagoretti Parish in Nairobi. He was widely loved for his kindness, humility, and commitment to serving God’s people.
His sudden death came as a huge loss to his parishioners, who described him as a man who touched many lives through prayers, counseling, and spiritual guidance.
The group accompanying his body was shocked when Tanzanian authorities reportedly refused to allow the funeral convoy to cross the border.
The decision was linked to the ongoing post-election violence in Tanzania, which has created insecurity and restrictions on movement.
A man delivering the news to the mourners at the border told them that the situation in the country made it unsafe to continue.
Videos shared online showed the mourners stranded and heartbroken. Some could be seen crying beside the hearse carrying the priest’s body.
The group was forced to return to Kenya, where they are now waiting for further guidance on how to proceed with the burial.
Parishioners took to social media to express their grief. Florence Omukosia, one of the church members, said Father Msuri had blessed her family and supported her during difficult times.
“He was a true servant of God. It hurts that his family in Tanzania cannot even bury him,” she wrote.
Other Kenyans shared messages of comfort, describing the priest as humble and prayerful. Many said they could not believe that political violence could stop a man of God from being laid to rest in peace.
As the mourners wait for clarity on the situation, the Sacred Heart-Dagoretti Parish continues to hold prayers in his memory.
Parish members say they will ensure Father Msuri receives a dignified send-off, even if it has to happen in Kenya.
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