President William Ruto has directed law enforcement agencies to move swiftly in investigating the killing of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, a respected Catholic priest who was fatally shot by unknown assailants on Thursday, May 22.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 23, the President mourned Father Bett as a dedicated servant of faith and a champion of peace. He expressed his condolences to the parishioners of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish in the Diocese of Eldoret and to Bett’s family and friends.

“Our condolences to the church, the faithful of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, Diocese of Eldoret, for the loss of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett,” Ruto said. “He was a true man of God—his sermons were sincere, focused, and guided many.”

Vowing swift action, President Ruto emphasized that the government would not rest until those responsible for Bett’s murder are brought to justice. “We will hunt down his killers as we continue our mission to restore peace in the Kerio Valley,” he declared.

Father Bett was ambushed and shot dead in Kabartile village, Elgeyo Marakwet, within the volatile Kerio Valley region. The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the incident, noting that it occurred in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul sub-location.

According to NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the priest was attacked by armed bandits, with initial investigations pointing to a connection with regional cattle rustling and banditry. A rapid response from General Service Unit (GSU) officers led to the arrest of six suspects.

“The NPS condemns this heinous act and is committed to conducting thorough and swift investigations to ensure all involved are brought to book,” Nyaga stated.

The incident has reignited concerns over escalating insecurity in the North Rift region, where banditry and inter-community violence remain persistent challenges.