Catholic priest shot dead in Kerio Valley
The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the tragic killing of Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, a Catholic priest based at St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, in an incident that occurred in Kabartile Village, Mokoro Location, Kerio Valley within Elgeyo Marakwet County.
According to a statement released by the NPS on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot shortly after concluding a Jumuiya (small Christian community) mass in Kakbiken village.
The police say the deceased was on his way back to Tot, accompanied by a catechist, when the attack happened.
“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.
In addition, authorities said they launched a manhunt immediately after the incident, which led to the arrest of six suspects now in custody. Preliminary investigations suggest the killing was not linked to cattle rustling or banditry.
“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,” the NPS statement reads in part.
Condemning the heinous act, the police said they are committed to conducting thorough and swift investigations to apprehend all those involved.
“The NPS condemns this heinous act and is committed to conducting thorough and expeditious investigations to apprehend all those involved in the crime,” the NPS added.
The authorities also extended their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, as well as the parishioners of St Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, and appealed to local communities to remain calm, go about their daily activities without fear, and cooperate with the police.
“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,” NPS stated.
The National Police Service further appealed for the public’s continued support and encouraged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report it to the nearest police station or via toll-free numbers.
“NPS further appeals for the public’s continued support and encourages anyone with information that may assist the investigation to report it to the nearest police station or through our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112, and #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203). All information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality. We reaffirm our commitment to serving and protecting all persons and their property,” NPS added.
