A Catholic priest, Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, was shot dead on Thursday evening in Tot, Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County, in what authorities are treating as a targeted attack.
Father Bett had just concluded a Jumuiya Mass in Kakbiken village and was returning to his residence when he was ambushed.
Witnesses reported that unknown gunmen opened fire, shooting him in the neck.
His killing comes few days after the murder of another Catholic priest, Father John Maina of Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu, whose body was discovered on May 15 along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway near the Diotomite stage. A motorcycle rider stumbled upon the body early that morning.
Investigators now believe Father Maina may have been trailed by individuals allegedly seeking a share of funds he had received from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a Silver Jubilee celebration on April 27.
In response to Father Bett’s killing, the National Police Service confirmed that General Service Unit (GSU) officers were immediately deployed to the area and launched a manhunt.
Six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody.
While early speculation linked the killing to cattle rustling or ongoing banditry in the region, police have ruled out those motives.
Authorities stated that the incident appears to be unrelated to Kerio Valley’s chronic security challenges.
News of Father Bett’s death prompted Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich to cut short his official engagements.
He was in Sambirir Ward launching the Kerio Valley Agricultural Training Centre and cancelled his planned visit to the Sekon Early Childhood Development Centre to address the tragic situation.
