Nairobi, 29 May, 2025 / 11:52 PM
Members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have condemned the brutal murders of Fr. James Maina Ndegwa and Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett which occurred days apart within May.
In a statement shared with ACI Africa, the Catholic Bishops in Kenya decried the killings which they said were veiled with “malicious intent and mystery.”
“We are greatly saddened by the sudden deaths of two Catholic priests in quick succession,” the Catholic Church leaders said in their Wednesday, May 28 statement.
The Bishops expressed their spiritual solidarity with Bishop Joseph Ndembu Mbatia of the Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu where Fr. Maina served before his death on May 15, and with Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret where Fr. Allois served as the Priest in charge of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish before he was brutally killed on May 22.
“We are greatly disturbed that both deaths have come with veiled malicious intent, and mystery. We wish to decry the deaths of these ministers of God and the sense of insecurity and helplessness created by such incidents against the servants of God,” the members of KCCB said in the statement that was signed by their Chairman, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu.
“Fr. James Maina died while undergoing treatment, in what appears to be a case of possible kidnapping and poisoning. This seems to indicate murder or foul play,” they said.
The Catholic Bishops described Fr. Allois, murder as the foulest, and which “cries to God against its perpetrators.”
Fr. Allois was fatally shot by his assailants who snuck up on him as he was returning from celebrating Holy Mass at a Small Christian Community (SCC).
The National Police Service confirmed Fr. Allois succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during the attack.
In their statement, KCCB members lamented how “cheap life has become, where murders and deaths are taken lightly, and used carelessly for political expediency.”
“How can it be that security can't be guaranteed for those serving in these remote areas? Who is really behind such a meticulously executed murder?” they wondered.
The Catholic Bishops highlighted the essential role of Catholic Priests, noting that they not only carry out evangelization and religious duties but also provide care and support to those in need within society, including the sick and marginalized, offering them hope.
The Catholic Church leaders have demanded 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.”
They encouraged the people of God to pray for both justice and mercy saying, “May God turn the hearts of those who have carried out these crimes to conversion.”
They implored, “May God grant us the grace to forgive those who have taken the lives of our brothers. We look forward to a comprehensive report of these incidents in the shortest time.”
The Catholic Bishops also urged everyone to pray for the families of the deceased priests, hoping they find consolation and peace during this painful time.
“We know how much pain they are going through. We join the faithful of our entire country in praying for the souls of these priests,’ they said.
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