- The National Police Service (NPS) has arrested six suspects believed to be connected to the cold-blooded murder of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, a Catholic priest from St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish.

Father Bett was gunned down on Thursday, May 22, while returning on foot from a local prayer session and celebrating mass.

The brutal killing sparked public outrage and a swift security operation that culminated in the arrest of the six individuals now held in police custody.

According to a statement issued by NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) were deployed to Mokoro Location in Kakiptul Sub-Location, Kabartile Village, shortly after the priest was reported dead.

Initial investigations revealed that Father Bett had been ambushed and shot by armed assailants, ending his life instantly.

"The National Police Service (NPS) regrets to confirm the tragic shooting of Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish. General Service Unit officers responded swiftly and established that Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants. A manhunt was immediately launched, and six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody," said Nyaga.

The arrests followed a high-level manhunt conducted through coordinated efforts between local police units and elite GSU officers.

Police intelligence led them to several locations within Elgeyo Marakwet, where the suspects were apprehended.

Their identities and specific roles in the murder remain under wraps as investigations continue.

Authorities were quick to dispel initial speculation that the murder might have been connected to the frequent banditry or cattle rustling in the Kerio Valley region.

"Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident is not in any way related to cattle rustling or banditry," the NPS emphasised in its statement.

The killing occurred as Father Bett walked from Kapkobil Village, where he had led a community prayer gathering (Jumuiya), back to his residence at the Tot Parish headquarters.

He was unaccompanied when the gunman struck near a thicket, suggesting the murder was both calculated and executed with chilling precision.

Kerio Valley Sub-County Police Commander Zablon Okoyo confirmed that the body was recovered and transported to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary in Eldoret.

The officer in charge of the Tot Police Station led the scene-of-crime team that began combing the area for clues that eventually pointed to the suspects.

Detectives are now working around the clock to piece together the motive and the chain of events that led to the priest's killing.

"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. 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," said Nyaga.

Following the brutal murder, residents of Eldoret protested after learning about the killing of the cleric.

Locals described him as a devoted and compassionate priest who served under the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret.

Mourners took to the streets, weeping and carrying twigs, demanding justice.

Source: TUKO.co.ke