Two Catholic priests were killed in Kenya, Africa, just days apart. The beloved, Father Alois Cheruiyot Bett, was shot and killed on Thursday, May 22nd. The Diocese of Eldoret is mourning his tragic death, that occurred while he was returning to his parish after attending a Small Christian Community meeting in Elgeyo Marakwet County. His body has now been moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Confirming the incident, Father Kamau Francis, Communications Director for the Diocese and a classmate of the late priest, told CISA News: “So far we don’t have any official communication or motive, but it’s true he was shot while coming back to the parish from a Small Christian Community. ”
Father Kamau added that Father Bett “was walking down a hill when he was ambushed and shot dead by suspected bandits on his way from a Jumuia. ”
Fr Bett served as the parish priest of Saint Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, located in the volatile Kerio Valley region, an area frequently impacted by insecurity.
According to a statement from the National Police Service, dated May 22nd, six suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing, which took place in Kabartile Village.
Police Spokesperson and Director of Corporate Communication Mister Muchiri Nyaga said, “General Service Unit officers who responded swiftly established that Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants. ” He confirmed that a manhunt was launched immediately, leading to the arrest of six suspects now in police custody.
“The Service extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, as well as the parishioners of Saint Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, ” read the police statement. It further appealed for calm in the region, urging locals to cooperate with law enforcement and report any information that may aid the ongoing investigation.
Governor Wisley Rotich, visited the scene, and eulogized Father Bett as a dedicated servant of the people and condemned the violence.
He stated “The murder is just a few kilometers from where he was today doing some work with the community. Father Allois was a great priest, " said Governor Rotich.
“On behalf of the great people of Elgeyo Marakwet, I want to say sorry to the Catholic Bishop of Eldoret, the priests, and the community of Kerio Valley. A few criminals have decided to wreak havoc because they fear the government is catching up with them, ” he stated.
Father Bett’s killing comes exactly one week after the suspicious death of Father John Maina, age 37, a priest of Igwamiti Catholic Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu. Father Maina was found unconscious and seriously injured by the roadside in Kikopey, Gilgil, more than 50 kilometers from his parish, on May 15th. Police are treating his death as a murder as his car was stolen. The late Fr. John Maina Ndegwa was conscious and expressed himself verbally moments before he passed on at St. Joseph's Mission Hospital.
He later died while receiving treatment at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil and was laid to rest on Thursday, May 22nd.
These recent attacks have shocked the Catholic Church in Kenya, intensifying calls for justice, peace, and improved security, particularly for clergy serving in remote and conflict-prone areas.
Sources: Fides/CISA News Africa/Daily Online Kenya
Comments