The body of the late Catholic priest, Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, was today solemnly moved from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) morgue in Eldoret to the Sacred Heart Cathedral for a mass and public viewing. The solemn procession, attended by priests and Catholic faithful, marked a poignant moment of mourning for the community and the Church.
Bishop Dominic Kimengich led a lengthy mass lasting approximately three to four hours in honor of Father Bett, who was tragically killed two weeks ago. The revered clergyman was serving at St. Mulumba Church in Tot, Kerio Valley, when he was shot by bandits while returning from a Jumuiya mass in a nearby village. His death has sent shockwaves throughout the church and local communities, highlighting the ongoing insecurity challenges faced in the region.
The funeral programme details that after the mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Father Bett’s body will be transported by road to Holy Family Ol Lessos Parish in Nandi County. There, a night vigil will be held in preparation for his burial. Tomorrow, the body will be taken to St. Michael’s Terige High School for a final public viewing and funeral mass before being laid to rest at the cemetery at Ol Lessos Parish.
The funeral activities are expected to draw top government officials and members of the clergy, underlining the high regard in which Father Bett was held and the deep sense of loss experienced by the Church and wider community. Bishop Kimengich, who is presiding over the funeral rites, described the killing as a significant blow, not only to the church but to the community at large.
“It is a big loss to the church and the community. We continue to demand justice for him. His killers must be brought to account,” said Bishop Kimengich, urging authorities to expedite investigations into the fatal attack.
Father Bett’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by religious leaders and communities in volatile regions. As the Church and community bid farewell to the beloved priest, the call for justice remains loud and clear, seeking to honor his memory through accountability and peace.
