The slain Catholic priest Allois Cheruiyot Bett will be buried on Friday, May 30 at a place to be announced later by the church after consultation with the family.
Speaking during a requiem mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Eldoret, Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret Catholic Diocese noted that Faher Bett’s death shall not be in vain, noting that his sacrifice might be the turning point that brings lasting peace to Kerio Valley.
Bishop Kimengich said some people have gone so low that they no longer respect life and the rule of law.
“The government should rise to the occasion and bring order, leaving perpetrators scot-free amounts to promotion of impunity in the country,” he said.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang reiterated that the banditry-prone areas of Kerio Valley have been neglected for long and that the government should restore peace in the area.
Father Bett was from St Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish and was gunned down by unknown assailants in Kabartile Village, Elgeyo Marakwet County, last week.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the priest was ambushed and fatally shot His attackers reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said six suspects have since been arrested in connection with the murder, but noted that the killing was not linked to cattle rustling or the rampant banditry that has plagued parts of the North Rift region.
