Catholic Church calls for justice after another priest is murdered in Elgeyo Marakwet
The Catholic Church is in mourning after the brutal killings of two priests in under a week, with the latest incident occurring in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
In a statement shared by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) through its Department for Justice and Peace, on the night of Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Church called for the government to speed up investigations and ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.
They also expressed deep sorrow over the brutal killings, describing the deaths as a tragic loss to both the Church and the nation.
Church leaders are also calling for increased protection for members of the clergy.
“We mourn Fr John Maina Ndegwa and Fr Allois Cheruiyot Bett, both violently killed within a week. Their deaths are a tragic loss to the Church and nation,” the KCCB posted on its official X account.
“We call for urgent government action to ensure justice, safety, and an end to impunity.”
Father John Maina Ndegwa and Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett were both violently attacked and killed in separate incidents, sending shockwaves through the religious community and the nation.
Father Bett’s death
The Bishops’ calls come after the National Police Service (NPS) disclosed that the preliminary investigations ruled out that Father Beth’s killing was not linked to cattle rustling or banditry.
According to the police, Father Bett, who was based at St Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, was accosted and fatally shot shortly after concluding a Jumuiya (small Christian community) mass in Kakbiken village.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, May 22, 2025, in Kabartile Village, Mokoro Location, Kerio Valley, within Elgeyo Marakwet County.
“The National Police Service (NPS) regrets to confirm the tragic shooting of Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish. The incident occurred in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul Sub-Location, Kabartile Village. General Service Unit officers responded swiftly and established that Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants,” the National Police Service statement reads in part.
“A manhunt was immediately launched, and six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody. Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident is not in any way related to cattle rustling or banditry.”
Father Maina’s death
On the other hand, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, issued an update on the investigation of the death of Father John Maina.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder of Father John Maina from Igwamiti Parish, Nyahururu. Reports indicate that, on April 27, 2025, Fr Maina attended a silver jubilee anniversary ceremony of Igwamiti Catholic parish and the ordination of Father Simon Thuita. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by other politicians, attended the ceremony,” the DCI stated.
According to the DCI, the priest’s body was discovered along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway by a good Samaritan, a motorcycle rider near the Diatomite stage, with bruises on the left side of his head and is said to have told the boda boda rider that he had been abducted from Nyahururu.
Preliminary findings from an autopsy that was conducted on his body on May 19, 2025, revealed that the bruises observed on Fr Maina’s head were unlikely to be the cause of death.
