Another Priest Shot & Killed, 6 Arrested

Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the tragic murder of Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, the parish priest of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish.

According to the National Police Service (NPS) in a statement, Father Cheruiyot was ambushed and fatally shot by armed assailants.

The incident occurred in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul Sub-Location, Kabartile Village and was promptly responded to by officers from the General Service Unit (GSU), who arrived on the scene.

"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," stated the NPS.

Witnesses reported that the assailants opened fire on the priest shortly after he had concluded a Jumuiya (small Christian community) mass in Kakbiken Village.

The attackers discharged four rounds—three missed both the priest and another person who was with him, but one bullet struck the priest in the neck, resulting in his death.

"The NPS condemns this heinous act and is committed to conducting thorough and expeditious investigations to apprehend all those involved in the crime. 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," added NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

"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."

Members of the public with any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation have been encouraged to report to the nearest police station or through NPS's toll-free lines: 999, 911, 112, or anonymously via #FichuakwaDCI at 0800 722 203, with NPS promising that all information will be handled with the strictest confidentiality.

With the NPS dismissing suggestions that the priest may have been targeted by bandits, the motive behind the targeted attack and murder of Fr Cheruiyot remains uncertain.

The tragic death of Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett prompted Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich to abruptly end his official tour in Sambirir Ward. Governor Rotich had just presided over the launch of the Kerio Valley Agricultural Training Centre in Kaptora and was scheduled to visit Sekon Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre when he received news of the priest’s fatal shooting.

Father Bett's killing marks the second death of a Catholic priest within the same week. His death follows the murder of Father John Maina, a priest from Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu, whose body was discovered along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway on May 15.

A motorcycle rider who found him near the Diotomite stage reported that Father Maina had visible bruises on the left side of his head and claimed he had been abducted from Nyahururu. His death occurred just days after he hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

These incidents come amid ongoing national concern over rising insecurity, particularly in regions affected by banditry. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently presented the government's first-quarter report on efforts to combat the menace.

He noted a decline in reported cases, with 167 incidents of stock theft recorded in the first quarter of 2025, down from 263 during the same period in 2024. The number of stolen livestock also dropped to 4,935, compared to 8,557 last year.

Despite the progress, Murkomen acknowledged significant challenges, including the widespread circulation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the commercialisation of banditry through established markets for stolen livestock, and persistent political interference and incitement that continue to undermine security operations.