Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

The community of Cheplasgei village in Kilibwoni is still mourning the brutal killing of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, a Catholic priest at St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish.

Father Bett was gunned down by armed assailants on Thursday, May 22.

According to local sources, the priest was returning home from a community mass service when he was ambushed and fatally shot by suspected criminals.

The murder has sparked outrage and fear in the region, with residents and church members suspecting that he was targeted for allegedly collaborating with authorities in ongoing anti-banditry operations.

Reports indicate that individuals believed to be Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers had visited Father Bett's residence on May 16 and 17—just days before his death.

However, the priest was away on official church duties at the time. Word of the visit reportedly spread quickly within the area, fueling suspicions among local criminal elements that Father Bett was acting as an informer.

Community members claim they know the identity of the gunman responsible for the priest’s killing, alleging that he is still freely roaming the area.

The killing has been described by residents as a targeted attack meant to intimidate those supporting the government's intensified security crackdown in the region.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who visited Father Bett’s family on Saturday, May 24, condemned the killing and vowed that the government would not be intimidated by criminals attempting to derail the ongoing anti-banditry operations in the Kerio Valley.

“This is a huge blow to the peace efforts we’ve made over the past two years. Incidents of banditry have decreased by 50% this year compared to 2024, thanks to the work of our security officers and community leaders, including religious figures like Father Bett,” Murkomen said.

He added that despite recent progress, bandits have changed tactics by retreating into local communities and targeting civilians and peace actors.

Murkomen cited the recent killings of civilians Bonface Ongote and Simon Njaga, alongside Father Bett, as evidence of the criminals’ desperation.

“The people disturbing us are between the ages of 16 and 20. By 21, they’re calling themselves commanders,” Murkomen remarked. “You saw what they did to Father Bett—something that has never happened before. Just a week ago, we intensified pressure, arrested some, and in an exchange with police, their so-called commander was killed. Now, his followers are roaming the villages angry and vengeful.”

He firmly dismissed any possibility of negotiating with armed criminals and assured that the prime suspect in Father Bett's murder would be arrested.

“We will not negotiate with any bandit. Either surrender your gun, or we will come for you. No amount of intimidation will stop us.”

As investigations continue, Father Bett’s killing has underscored the risks faced by religious leaders and community members working with the government to restore peace in the volatile Kerio Valley region.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto also sent condolences to the church and faithful of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish in the Diocese of Eldoret following the tragic killing of Father Bett.

He hailed Fr. Bett as a tireless promoter of peace and a genuine spiritual leader whose sermons were clear, honest, and purposeful.

Ruto extended his sympathies to the priest’s family and friends, praying for strength as they endure the painful loss.

He further vowed that the government would track down those behind the murder and remain committed to restoring peace in the Kerio Valley.

Source: TUKO.co.ke