The Catholic Church has maintained that its decision to close all health facilities managed by its nuns in the troubled North Rift region will remain in force until the government guarantees their safety.
The move comes in the wake of the brutal murder of Fr Allois Cheruiyot Bett by suspected bandits in Elgeyo Marakwet County, deepening concerns over the rising insecurity in the region.
Fr Allois of St Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish was shot dead on May 22, 2025 in Kabartile Village.
The priest's death, attributed to five gunshot wounds, adds to a growing list of victims targeted by bandits in what is increasingly becoming a disturbing trend of attacks on non-locals.
The killing has sparked outrage across the country, with the Catholic Church and political leaders condemning the government’s inaction and demanding urgent, concrete steps to restore order.
During a packed requiem mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eldoret on Monday, ahead of his burial on Tuesday, mourners criticised the government's continued failure to curb banditry and cattle rustling in the North Rift.
Clergy and politicians alike called out authorities for what they termed as empty rhetoric and insufficient action in securing the lives and property of residents and missionaries alike.
Eldoret Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich, who presided over the mass, declared that all Catholic health facilities managed by sisters would remain closed until there are tangible assurances of safety.
“Our decision to close health facilities managed by our sisters will remain in effect as we cannot continue risking the lives of missionaries who have selflessly dedicated themselves to serve in this region,” Bishop Kimengich said.
He disclosed that even before the priest’s murder, three people had been killed in the area, placing non-local clergy and missionaries at grave risk. Despite promises from local community members to help identify the killers, no arrests have been made.
“The community requested three days to help police apprehend the criminals, but it has now been more than that. For our sisters to resume their services, those responsible must be brought to book,” he added.
Hundreds of mourners filled the church and its compound to pay their final respects to the slain priest. Emotions ran high, with calls for justice echoing through the solemn ceremony.
Bishop Kimengich and other speakers demanded a full disarmament of armed civilians in the area as well as the disbandment of the National Police Reservists (NPR) who they claim have worsened the insecurity.
“We are tired of government talk without action. The issue of disarming civilians should have been done years ago. What we want now is decisive action, not promises,” the Bishop stated.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang expressed remorse on behalf of the Marakwet community, revealing that elders would be sent to the family of the late priest in accordance with traditional customs, even though the killers had not been apprehended.
“As a community we have faced difficulty in sending elders to the family of the deceased priest because his killers are still free. But we cannot continue to wait. We are sending elders to seek forgiveness as our traditions require,” Senator Kisang said.
He also urged the Catholic Church not to withdraw completely from the region, noting that their presence has been vital in uplifting local communities, particularly in education and health.
The family of Fr Allois, through spokesperson Bett Arap Moek, said they were ready to forgive his killers if they come forward.
“It has been so painful for us as a family to process this tragedy. But in the spirit of our faith we are willing to forgive the killers if they come and seek forgiveness,” said Arap Moek.
His Uasin Gishu counterpart Jackson Mandago urged collaboration between the government and local leaders to restore peace and rebuild trust in the region.
“As leaders, we must unite and work with national government agencies to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Kerio Valley,” Mandago said.
Former minister Henry Kosgey took a harder stance, urging security forces to use lethal force against criminals.
He questioned why the region has remained a hotspot for decades despite countless government promises and initiatives.
Fr Allois will be laid to rest on Tuesday June 3, at Olessos Parish in Nandi County where he was born and raised.
