Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich has announced a Sh100,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest dead or alive of bandits responsible for a spate of killings in the region.
Speaking during a county pastoral region family day celebration at Nerkwo Parish, Rotich expressed deep frustration over the persistent violence, particularly following the brutal murder of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett. The Catholic priest’s death marked the third killing in the area in just one week.
“Mimi leo nimetangaza kama governor, mhalifu yeyote ataletwa whether alive or dead, mimi nitatoa shilingi elfu mia moja,” declared Rotich. (“Today, I declare as governor that anyone who brings in a criminal, dead or alive, will receive Sh100,000.”)
Rotich defended his controversial reward offer, comparing it to bounty systems used by the United States government to apprehend dangerous criminals. He emphasized that prioritizing peace and security was more effective than continuously contributing to funeral expenses, stating, “Kuliko nichange mazishi kuanzia January mpaka January, afadhali nipatie informer atatuonyesha mahali mhalifu yuko.”
The county boss mourned Father Bett as “an extraordinary servant of God” whose life and ministry had made a lasting impact on the community. “His killing is a big blow to peaceful gains in the Kerio Valley,” he added.
The mass at Nerkwo Parish was presided over by Catholic Diocese of Eldoret Bishop Rt. Rev Dominic Kimengich and Auxiliary Bishop John Lelei. Bishop Kimengich urged the national government to transition from rhetoric to real, actionable measures. “Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live without fear,” he said.
Also present were Women Representative Caroline Ng’elechei and MCAs Hillary Kiplagat and Mercy Jepkurui, who joined the chorus of leaders demanding an end to rampant banditry.
Governor Rotich’s cash bounty underscores a growing sense of urgency among local leaders to restore peace and stability in Kerio Valley, a region long plagued by insecurity and criminal violence.
