By Paschal Norbert
ELGEYO MARAKWET, MAY 22, 2025 (CISA)— The Catholic Diocese of Eldoret is mourning the tragic death of Fr. Alloys Cheruiyot Bett, who was shot and killed on Thursday, May 22, while returning to his parish after attending a Small Christian Community (Jumuia) meeting in Elgeyo Marakwet County. His body has now been moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.
Confirming the incident, Fr 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.”
Fr Kamau added that Fr 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 St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, located in the volatile Kerio Valley region of Elgeyo Marakwet County, an area frequently impacted by insecurity.
According to a statement from the National Police Service (NPS) dated May 22, six suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing, which took place in Kabartile Village, Kakiptul Sub-Location, Mokoro Location.
Police Spokesperson and Director of Corporate Communication Mr 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 police ruled out cattle rustling or traditional banditry as motives behind the killing and promised a full investigation, suggesting that the murder was premeditated and targeted the priest.
“The Service extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, as well as the parishioners of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish,” read the NPS 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.
“We appeal to local communities in the area to remain calm, continue with their daily activities without fear, and cooperate with the National Police Service. NPS further appeals for the public’s continued support and encourages anyone with information that may assist the investigation to report it to the nearest police station or through our toll-free numbers,” the statement continued.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, who visited the scene of the murder, eulogized Fr. 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. At 2 p.m., I was called and told that Father is no more. His body is now being transported to Eldoret,” said Governor Rotich.
“On behalf of the great people of Elgeyo Marakwet, I want to say pole [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.
Fr Bett’s killing comes exactly one week after the suspicious death of Fr John Maina, a priest of Igwamiti Catholic Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu. Fr Maina was found unconscious and seriously injured by the roadside in Kikopey, Gilgil, more than 50 kilometers from his parish, on May 15.
He later died while receiving treatment at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil and was laid to rest on Thursday, May 22.
These back-to-back tragedies 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.
