Elgeyo Marakwet - It was a sombre and emotional moment for residents of Kerio Valley as they viewed the body of Father Alloise Cheruiyot Bett, who was brutally murdered on May 22.

The residents and Catholic church members showed up in huge numbers to say goodbye to their priest.

Bett was killed while on his way to his parish after attending a mass, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into his murder.

At his viewing, mourners looked emotional and in reflection as they paused for moments to bid goodbye to the man who led mass on Sundays.

He will be buried in Kerio Valley, and residents are calling on the government to ensure that justice is served.

Here are some of the reactions from social media users:

@Charles Cheruiyot said:

"Condolences to the family and the church he served with passion."

@Gilbert Wa Musavini said:

"This kind of threat, if not controlled, may spiral into a monster. Efforts must be channelled towards enhanced security mechanisms."

@Ambrose Sang said:

"Rest in peace, father. Those who opened fire to shoot you will never see joy."

@Wogen Chris Kips said:

"Pole sana may God punish those criminals without mercy."

@Betty Rono said:

"Still a painful death, rest well mtumishi."

@Patricia Muthoki said:

"It's really painful, rest in eternal peace Fr."

Earlier, reported that the family of Fr Bett announced that they have forgiven the people behind the death of the Catholic priest.

The family spokesperson, Amos Samoei, explained that the family decided so to ensure that the late priest gets a peaceful sendoff.

Samoie also called on those involved in the murder of Bett to ensure that they visit the mourning family to cement the forgiveness.

According to the family spokesperson, the killers' visit to the family is in line with a long-practised Kalenjin tradition.

Elsewhere, Bett's mother, Eunice Bender, asked for prayers as she continued to mourn and adjust to her son's absence.

She revealed that the priest was the family's breadwinner and that she relied on him for all of her needs at home.

While questioning how she will cope without her son, Bender revealed that the slain priest had educated many children.

The emotional mum asked President Willian Ruto to visit them and find a way of helping their family.

Bett was also mourned by the teachers and students of St Peter's Marakwet Boys High School, where he served as a chaplain.

Currently, the Catholic church has shut down all missions in Kerio Valley after Bett's death.

Source: TUKO.co.ke