Catholic Priest in Kenya Shot Dead

ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya, May 23, 2025: Armed assailants shot and killed Catholic priest Fr. Alloys Cheruiyot Bett on the evening of Thursday, May 22, while he was walking back to his parish after attending a Small Christian Community meeting in Kabartile Village, Elgeyo Marakwet County. According to CISA News, the attack occurred as he descended a hill in the volatile Kerio Valley region; his body has been transferred to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.

Fr. Kamau Francis, Communications Director for the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret and a classmate of the late priest, confirmed the incident and stated that no official motive has yet been established. “It’s true he was shot while coming back to his parish from a Small Christian Community prayer gathering,” he told CISA News.

Fr. Bett was serving as the parish priest of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, a mission located in one of the most violence-prone areas of Elgeyo Marakwet. The region has frequently witnessed armed violence and criminal activity, although police have ruled out cattle rustling or traditional banditry as motives behind the priest’s murder.

According to a statement by the National Police Service (NPS) issued on May 22, six suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing. Police Spokesperson and Director of Corporate Communication, Mr. Muchiri Nyaga, confirmed that General Service Unit officers responded quickly and launched a manhunt that led to the arrests. He described the killing as a “premeditated and targeted attack”.

“The Service extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Father Alloys Cheruiyot Bett, as well as the parishioners of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish,” the statement read. Authorities appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with ongoing investigations, and report any relevant information.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, who visited the scene shortly after the incident, condemned the violence and praised Fr. Bett’s service to the community. “ The murder took place just a few kilometres 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,” he added.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the Catholic Church in Kenya, especially coming just one week after the suspicious death of Fr. John Maina of the Diocese of Nyahururu. Fr. Maina was found seriously injured by the roadside in Gilgil and later succumbed to his wounds on May 15. He was buried the same day Fr. Bett was killed.

Church leaders and local officials have renewed urgent calls for justice and better protection for clergy working in high-risk areas. Investigations into both deaths are ongoing.

By Paschal Norbert of CISA News

Image Source: Facebook (Valuer Kibire Lawi)