The peaceful Catholic community in Eldoret is reeling from grief and growing concern following the suspicious deaths of two priests within days of each other.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) is now calling for a full investigation, demanding answers and justice.
Among the deceased is Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, a respected priest from St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish in the Diocese of Eldoret. His untimely and violent death has raised serious concerns about clergy safety and the growing climate of insecurity in some parts of the country.
Who Was Father Bett and What Happened?
On May 22, Father Bett was returning to his parish headquarters after leading a prayer service in the volatile Kerio Valley. While descending a hill in Kabartile village, he was shot dead in what is believed to be a targeted attack.
Insert – Bishop John Kiplimo Lelei on the murder: The priest had just finished celebrating a small Christian Mass and was heading back when he was fatally shot. Two suspects were spotted fleeing the scene shortly after.
Local authorities and community members suspect this was not a random act of banditry, but a calculated killing, possibly by people who knew him or monitored his movements.
Another Tragedy in Nyahururu – The Case of Father Maina
Just days before Father Bett’s murder, Father John Maina Ndegwa of St. Louis Parish in Igwamiti (Nyahururu Diocese) died under mysterious circumstances.
On May 15, a boda boda rider found Father Maina abandoned along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, near Kikopey, with minor visible injuries. Despite being rushed to St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital in Gilgil, he passed away shortly after.
Investigations revealed that his head injuries were not fatal, fueling suspicions of poisoning. Father Maina is reported to have whispered to both medics and the rider, “they have given me poison.” Authorities are now probing whether his death is connected to threats he allegedly received after hosting a controversial political guest at a church event.
Catholic Bishops Demand Justice
The Kenyan Catholic bishops, led by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of Kisumu, have condemned the deaths and expressed deep sorrow. In a public statement, they criticized what they termed as the cheapening of life in Kenya, calling the killings “deeply disturbing” and calling for immediate government action.
The Bishops’ Key Demands
- Full and transparent investigations into both deaths
- Protection for clergy and religious leaders
- Urgent action from security agencies to address rising insecurity
- Public accountability from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
The bishops also reminded the public that Catholic priests do more than lead prayers—they serve the marginalized, the poor, and the sick, often in dangerous and forgotten areas.
What This Means for Eldoret Residents
For residents of Eldoret, this tragedy hits close to home. St. Matthias Mulumba Parish is a familiar spiritual hub for many, located just a short drive from Eldoret town center. The murder of Father Bett, a beloved spiritual leader, has left a deep emotional scar on the faithful.
As the investigations continue, community members are urged to remain calm but vigilant. These deaths, tragic as they are, also highlight the need for stronger security, clergy protection, and transparency in justice processes.
Final Thoughts
The deaths of Father Bett and Father Maina have united the Catholic community in mourning—and in a call for justice. As Eldoret and Nyahururu come to terms with these tragedies, all eyes are on the authorities to deliver answers and restore a sense of safety to the church.
