Emotions ran high as hundreds gathered in Nandi County to bid farewell to Catholic priest Father Alloise Cheruiyot Bett, who was murdered in a bandit attack in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Fr Alloise, who served at St Mathias Mulumba Parish in Tot, was laid to rest at Terige Secondary School grounds in a ceremony attended by religious leaders, faithful, and top political figures. His killing has reignited national concern over persistent insecurity in the banditry-prone North Rift region.
At the funeral, leaders condemned what they termed a growing culture of impunity and questioned the failure of security agencies to apprehend suspects, despite receiving intelligence from local residents.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich revealed that locals had identified individuals in the terror group linked to the priest’s death. “The names of the suspects were submitted to the security team, yet no action has been taken. It’s disheartening,” Rotich said, adding that police and military camps already exist in the volatile Kerio Valley region.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi called for more drastic measures to combat banditry, even suggesting the use of lethal force. “These court processes are slow and ineffective in restoring peace. If someone kills using a gun, they should meet the same fate—no negotiation with criminals,” Sudi said.
Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei added that police inaction is enabling bandits to operate freely, often in daylight. “We know these criminals. Why is it that they are still walking free?” he asked.
The lawmakers called for urgent and sustained action by the national government to dismantle the terror networks plaguing the North Rift, including Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot counties.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Chelilim echoed similar sentiments, demanding government protection for clergy and citizens in conflict zones. “The Catholic Church has played a key role in community peacebuilding. It is unacceptable that priests now need protection to carry out their spiritual duties,” said Cherargei.
Fr Alloise’s tragic death marks yet another dark chapter in the ongoing conflict in Kerio Valley and has deepened public frustration with state response to insecurity.
