Nairobi, 22 May, 2025 / 10:48 PM
Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett, a member of the Clergy of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, succumbed to gunshot wounds he sustained, when he “was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants” while returning from Holy Mass at a Small Christian Community (SCC) in his Parish on Thursday, May 22, the National Police Service (NPS) in Kenya has confirmed.
According to a May 22 press release from the NPS headquarters, the fatal shooting of the late Fr. Allois, who was the Priest in charge of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish of Eldoret Diocese, occurred at Kabartile village of Mokoro location in Kenya’s Elgeyo Marakwet County.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident is not in any way related to cattle rustling or banditry,” the one-page press statement, which the NPS spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, signed, states about the North Rift region of Kenya with serious security challenges, including banditry and inter-communal violent conflicts.
The NPS statement, which recognizes the immediate response from Kenya’s “General Service Unit officers” further indicates that “a manhunt was immediately launched, and six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody.”
“The NPS condemns this heinous act and is committed to conducting thorough and expeditious investigations to apprehend all those involved in the crime,” the NPS press release states in part, and continues, “The Service extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, as well as the parishioners of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish.”
The NPS leadership appeals to the “local communities in the area to remain calm, continue with their daily activities without fear, and cooperate with the National Police Service.”
The Kenyan security agency further appeals for the public's “continued support” and calls upon “anyone with information that may assist the investigation to report it to the nearest police station or through our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112.”
Meanwhile, multiple sources have told ACI Africa that the late Fr. Allois was walking down the hill from the SCC Eucharistic celebration in the company of a Catechist at the time of the ambush. The Catechist is reportedly still missing.
The late Fr. Allois was ordained a Deacon in January 2022 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Eldoret Diocese. In November 2022, he was ordained a Priest at Mother Mary Queen of Peace Kabiyet Parish of the Kenyan Episcopal See.
Following the news of the Kenyan Catholic Priest’s fatal shooting, Kenyans have taken to social media to mourn him and condole with the people of God in Eldoret Diocese.
“It is indeed a dark evening and heartbreaking to lose a servant of God by bullet. May God forgive his killers for they don't know what they did and his soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” Amri Mutai says in a Facebook post.
In another Facebook post, Evans Kiplagat Moi, who describes himself as a close friend of the late Fr. Allois says, “Today our hearts are broken. My Heart is broken. Your life has been cut short by the Bullet. Your only mission was to preach peace, transforming the valley through the Bible.”
Evans Kiplagat Moi adds, “Everyone saw the great deeds you did for the community. We will always remember you for who you were...a Good Man. I will miss you, brother.”
In another Facebook post, Evans Kimutai Kemboi eulogizes the late Fr. Allois, saying that he “was not only a Priest but also a mentor, guide, and source of unwavering encouragement. Recently posted to the newly created Tot Parish, he continued to serve with humility, courage, and deep devotion until his life was cruelly cut short by alleged bandits this afternoon.”
“Fr. Allois was a beacon of hope, a man of deep faith and love for his people. His laughter, wisdom, and prayers touched the hearts of all who knew him. The pain of his loss is immense, but so is the legacy of kindness and strength he leaves behind,” Evans Kimutai Kemboi further says.
He implores, “We pray for peace, justice, and healing and above all, for the eternal rest of his beautiful soul. Go well, dear Father. You will never be forgotten.”
Fr. Allois’ tragic murder comes just a week after the untimely death of Fr. John Maina Ndegwa, a member of the Clergy of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu.
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