The Catholic church has weighed in on the recent murders of its two bishops with a tough call to the government to expedite the investigations.
In a statement released by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) through the Catholic Justice and Peace Department, the church is outraged over what it believes are targeted killings.
“We are greatly saddened by the sudden deaths of two Catholic priests in quick succession,” the bishops said in a statement.
“We demand a deep inquiry into these deaths to reveal the real circumstances and motives, to ensure the security and safety of our priests and all Kenyans going forward.”
The church also expressed concern over what it termed as a growing culture of impunity, where life has become cheap and violence is seemingly tolerated.
Father Maina was found unconscious along the Nyeri-Nyahururu highway and later lost his life while receiving treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggested the priest may have been forcefully taken and tortured, as his body showed signs of intoxication. The catholic church, in its statement, corroborated this hunch, saying the pastor was likely a victim of foul play.
Separately and more disturbing, Father Alois Bett, who ministered in Eldoret Diocese, was gunned down by assailants in the Tot area of Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet, with reports indicating he was heading back to his base after a sermon.
According to witnesses, the assailants sprayed the priest with bullets moments after he concluded a Jumuiya (small Christian community) mass in Kakbiken village.
While referring to Father Alois Bett's case, the Catholic Bishops termed the murder as 'murder most foul', while raising concerns about security in remote and bandit-prone areas.
The KCCB also emphasised the critical role of priests in society, which goes beyond spiritual service.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed that investigations are underway into the death of Priest, whose death came after hosting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
On April 27, 2025, Fr Maina attended a silver jubilee anniversary ceremony of Igwamiti Catholic Parish and the ordination of Father Simon Thuita, where Gachagua, accompanied by other politicians, attended the ceremony.
