Allois Cheruiyot: William Ruto Mourns Elgeyo Marakwet Priest, Vows to Catch His Killers

• President William Ruto mourned Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett as a tireless peace champion and vowed his killers would be brought to justice
• Father Allois was gunned down in Mokoro while on pastoral duty, a killing police say was unrelated to banditry or cattle rustling
• Six suspects have been arrested following a swift GSU-led manhunt as investigations into the priest’s murder intensify
• The National Police Service condemned the killing and urged locals to stay calm and assist with information to aid the probe

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - The brutal killing of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett has left the nation in mourning, sparking strong reactions from both religious communities and top government leaders.

President William Ruto, in a heartfelt statement on Friday, May 23, joined the country in paying tribute to the fallen priest.

The head of state vowed that the cleric's killers would be tracked down by the authorities and brought to justice.

Fr. Allois, who served as the resident priest of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish in Elgeyo Marakwet, was gunned down by unknown assailants under circumstances that have gripped the region with fear and sorrow.

The priest, known for his commitment to peace and spiritual guidance, was remembered by the president as a steadfast leader whose sermons were genuine, clear and targeted.

"Our condolences to the church, the faithful of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, Diocese of Eldoret, for the loss of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett. Fr. Allois was a tireless promoter of peace and a true faith leader whose sermons were genuine, clear and targeted. May God grant the family and friends strength to bear this painful death. We will hunt down his killers as we commit to restore peace in the Kerio Valley. Rest In Peace, Father," Ruto stated.

How did Father Allois meet his death

The priest's tragic killing occurred in Mokoro location, an area within the restive Kerio Valley region.

According to preliminary police reports, the cleric was accosted and fatally shot by armed individuals while on pastoral duty.

What unfolded next was both dramatic and chilling as a contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers responded swiftly to the scene.

Though violence is not new to this region, often plagued by cattle rustling and inter-community clashes, police have clarified that the killing was not related to banditry or rustling.

This has further intensified public speculation about the motives behind the targeted attack.

"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," said the police.

The National Police Service condemned the heinous act, offering condolences to the family and parishioners of the late priest.

They promised a thorough investigation, calling on the public to remain calm and support ongoing efforts by sharing any useful information.

How did Father John Maina meet his death

On Wednesday, May 21, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) shared an update on the investigation into the killing of another Catholic father, John Maina.

They said that Father Maina, a priest from Igwamiti Parish, had been kidnapped, tortured, and then abandoned by his attackers.

He was later found badly injured near Kikopey, along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, about 50 kilometres away from his parish.

A boda boda rider saw him and rushed him to St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where he died while receiving treatment.

The DCI stated that they were continuing with the investigation to uncover those behind the crime.

Although the full autopsy report was not made public, sources close to the investigation claimed that Father Maina died from gunshot wounds.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke