An Irish priest was murdered during a violent robbery at his home in Kenya.
Officials said police in Kericho, north west Kenya, have launched a murder inquiry after Father Jeremiah Roche, a 68-year-old missionary, was found dead on Friday morning.
Fr Roche lived alone in a house at the edge of the town.
His body was discovered shortly after the robbery, believed to have happened at 4am, by a staff member who raised the alarm.
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Martin said he was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Fr Roche in such tragic circumstances.
"Fr Jeremiah was a member of the Kiltegan Fathers and had dedicated his life to helping the poorest of the poor in Kenya since 1968," said Mr Martin.
"His untimely death is yet another terrible reminder of the threats faced daily by our missionaries and aid workers all over the world."
The missionary belonged to the same order as Fr Michael Sinnott, the Irish priest who was recently held hostage by rebels in the Philippines.
He was from west Limerick and was part of St Patrick's parish in Kericho.
Mr Martin said he had spoke to the Kiltegan Fathers and to Mr Roche's family to convey his sympathy and to offer all possible assistance.
"Our honorary consul in Kenya will be maintaining close contact with the Kenyan authorities to ensure that a full investigation is carried out and that every effort is made to apprehend Fr Roche's attackers," added the minister.
© Press Association