The government has intensified its crackdown on banditry in the Kerio Valley region following the tragic killing of Fr. Alloys Cheruiyot Bett, a Catholic priest known for his peace advocacy efforts. Speaking during a condolence visit to Fr. Bett’s family in Cheplasgei Village, Nandi County, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen vowed a relentless pursuit of the assailants and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
Fr. Bett was killed on Thursday in Tot, Kerio Valley, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack by bandits frustrated by recent security operations that have curtailed livestock raids. “The attack on Fr. Bett must be understood in the context of his peace efforts and evangelism against banditry,” Murkomen said. “We will not surrender; instead, our security forces will double their efforts.”
The CS described the murder of Fr. Bett, along with recent killings of Bonface Ongote and Simon Njaga, as a shift in tactics by bandits who, having been thwarted in cattle rustling, have turned to acts of terror against civilians. “This is a calculated effort to instill fear and disrupt ongoing operations, but we shall not relent,” he added.
Murkomen urged local communities to fully cooperate with security forces, stressing that the government is determined to eliminate all criminal elements. He cited significant progress in the region, with banditry incidents dropping by over 50% in the past five months compared to 2024, crediting the success to joint efforts by security personnel, community leaders, and the religious fraternity.
He extended heartfelt condolences to Fr. Bett’s parents, the St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, and the Diocese of Eldoret. “Fr. Alloys was more than a priest; he was a peacebuilder who served his community with unmatched commitment,” Murkomen said.
Accompanied by leaders including Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and DIG Eliud Lagat, Murkomen assured residents that justice will prevail. “We will hand the harshest punishment to the perpetrators of these heinous acts,” he affirmed.
