Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed to take action following the killing of Rev Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett.
Father Alloyce was targeted by assailants in the Tot area of Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet, on May 22. Reports indicate he was returning to his base after delivering a sermon.
According to a witness, the attackers fired four bullets, three missed the priest and another individual accompanying him. However, one bullet struck the priest in the neck, killing him.
Speaking on Saturday, May 24, during a visit to the priest's home in Nandi County to console the family, Murkomen condemned the killing, stating that the government would not relent in its fight against banditry and crime in the region.
Murkomen said Fr. Alloyce’s killing is part of a new wave of attacks by criminals who are trying to escape police operations. He warned that those responsible will be arrested and punished.
“I want to promise you all that from today onwards, we will arrest all those who were involved in this killing. Secondly, we will do our best to reduce cattle stealing and all those who have been taking part in the killings,” Murkomen said.
According to Murkomen, the recent killings in the Northern Region indicate that the criminals are changing their tactics.
However, he made it clear that the government would not stop its efforts to end banditry and restore peace in the Kerio Valley.
“The recent killings of civilians, Boniface Ongote, Simon Njaga, and now Fr. Alloys Bett reflect the change of tack by the besieged criminals. The government will, however, not relent in its effort to root out banditry and all acts of criminality in the Kerio Valley region," he said.
Murkomen noted that Fr. Alloyce’s death was a major blow, especially since the region had seen progress in peace and security over the past two years.
He said the bandits are now trying to scare people, peace workers, and security teams in hopes that the government will slow down the operations.
He urged residents of Kerio Valley Sub-County to continue working closely with security forces as the crackdown continues.
“I call on the people of Kerio Valley Sub-County to continue cooperating with the security personnel as we step up our efforts to eliminate this threat. We will make sure that we hand the harshest punishment to the perpetrators of these heinous acts,” he said.
