The Catholic Church has announced the indefinite closure of its missionary operations in the troubled Kerio Valley following the tragic killing of Father Allois Bett by suspected bandits. This move marks a major setback for the region, where the Church has long been a cornerstone of social services, particularly in healthcare and education.
In a statement released by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters, the Church cited rising insecurity and targeted violence as the main reasons for the closure. The decision affects all mission stations, including the Chesongoch Mission Hospital, which has been a lifeline for thousands of residents in the remote and volatile region.
The killing of Father Bett, who was ambushed and fatally shot while returning from a Jumuiya mass at St. Mulumba Parish near Tot, has intensified fears and unrest. Reports suggest that non-locals, including missionaries, are increasingly becoming targets of bandit attacks.
Sister Rosa Pascal, head of the mission, described the situation as untenable, saying that insecurity has caused “mental, emotional, and psychological trauma” to the missionary sisters and their staff. With many staff fleeing the area for safety, essential services can no longer be sustained.
“We have therefore arrived at the decision, with immediate effect, to close our mission stations indefinitely until the area is safe for service,” Sister Pascal stated. She emphasized that the decision also serves as a call to action for the government to restore peace and order, including disarming civilians.
The closure is not only a safety measure but also a symbolic message to the local community and authorities. “If the community does not consider our mission as essential to them, then there is no need for our presence,” the statement added, highlighting the deep disillusionment within the Church.
Father Bett will be laid to rest on Tuesday at Ol Lessos Parish in Nandi County. His death and the Church’s withdrawal underline the urgent need for long-term solutions to insecurity in the Kerio Valley, which continues to be plagued by violence and lawlessness.
