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 murder of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett by armed assailants in Tot continues to spark outrage among the clergy.

Father Bett was ambushed on Thursday, May 22, while returning from a mass service.

Religious leaders, political figures, and citizens are all decrying the worsening insecurity in the region, despite ongoing government efforts to restore peace.

Speaking after the incident, with visible emotion, Eldoret Catholic Bishop Dominic Kimengich described the loss as deeply personal and a devastating blow to the church and community.

“That spilt blood will not be in vain—not even Father Bett’s,” Bishop Kimengich said. “Before his death, I asked him to come and start a parish here in Tot because of his deep commitment to peace. He came here just six months ago. I laid hands on him. I am his spiritual father. What a father feels when he loses a child is what I feel today.”

Bishop Kimengich questioned the government’s resolve to deal with the insecurity plaguing the region and demanded immediate action.

“Why was he killed in just six months? Why target a priest? As a church, we’ve done our part. We’ve been here, advocating for peace. What wrong have we done? This is no longer business as usual. If a priest can be murdered, then we have crossed the red line. No one is safe. We need lasting solutions.”

He further urged the government to channel more resources to the region to help restore peace and called for swift justice in Father Bett’s case, adding that the church gains nothing from its efforts to restore peace.

According to Bishop Kimengich, the papal representative also demanded justice, calling the murder a grave injustice with far-reaching consequences.

“This killing has inflicted deep wounds and serious ripple effects. We entrust justice to God, but we must also reflect and pray as a people.”

Meanwhile, emerging reports indicated that Father Bett may have been targeted by bandits in retaliation for the killing of one of their leaders.

The attackers allegedly suspected him of having ties to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Residents claimed that plainclothes officers believed to be from the DCI had visited Father Bett’s residence twice in the days before his death, but did not find him at home.

The bishop echoed locals' fear stating that the murder has instilled fear among clergy serving in volatile areas like Tot.

“What priest would feel safe being posted here now?” Bishop Kimengich asked.

Father Bett’s death is the latest in a series of violent attacks in the North Rift, reigniting calls for urgent, effective government intervention to curb rampant banditry and restore long-term peace to the region.

Meanwhile, the National Police Service confirmed that Father Bett was ambushed and fatally shot by armed assailants in Kabartile Village, Tot.

Following the incident, General Service Unit officers were swiftly deployed to the scene, launching a high-level manhunt.

Police arrested six suspects in coordinated operations across Elgeyo Marakwet, led by intelligence gathered from local and elite security units.

Source: TUKO.co.ke