President William Ruto has ordered police to expedite investigations into the death of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was reportedly killed yesterday by unknown assailants.
The Head of State, in a statement on Friday, May 23, directed the relevant security agencies to hunt down Bett's killers and ensure they are brought to book.
While mourning the death of the priest, President Ruto termed Father Bett as a tireless promoter of peace and a true faith 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," Ruto said.
"May God grant the family and friends of Father Bett the strength to bear this painful death," he added.
Ruto underscored the need for speedy investigations and expressed the government's commitment to restoring peace in the deadly Kerio Valley and the broader North Rift region.
"We will hunt down his killers as we commit to restoring peace in the Kerio Valley. Rest In Peace, Father," the President said.
Bett, a renowned priest who served at the Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, was gunned down by unknown people on Thursday, May 22, at the Kabartile village in Elgeyo Marakwet.
National Police Service Spokesperson (NPS) Muchiri Nyaga said Bett was murdered in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul sub-location.
Nyaga said officers from the General Service Unit (GSU), who reported to the scene after the incident, established that Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants.
A manhunt was immediately launched, and six suspects have since been apprehended. Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was related to cattle rustling or banditry.
"The NPS condemns this heinous act and is committed to conducting thorough and expeditious investigations to apprehend all those involved in the crime," Nyaga said in a presser.
