Leaders from North Rift Demand Government Action Over Killing of Catholic Priest in Tot
Cherargei also criticized the DCI for what he described as laxity in investigations and called for urgent reforms to ensure effective law enforcement.
Late Father Allois Bett who was killed by Bandits in Tot, Kerio Valley. Photo/Tuko News.
By Jessica Nyaboke
Leaders from the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) counties have called on the national government to take urgent action to end banditry along the Elgeyo Marakwet border and bring justice following the killing of Catholic priest Father Alloys Bett.
The leaders want Tot area gazetted and communities in the volatile border region disarmed to restore peace and security.
Speaking during a solemn memorial mass held at Eldoret Cathedral, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei revealed that the Marakwet community had offered to help authorities arrest the priest’s killer within three days, saying they know the suspect.
“As people from Nandi, we had hoped that by now the killer of Father Alloys Bett would be in custody,” said Cherargei. “We demand that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launch a formal inquiry into the rising cases of clergy killings in the country. After securing our borders, the government must now address internal threats.”
Cherargei also criticized the DCI for what he described as laxity in investigations and called for urgent reforms to ensure effective law enforcement.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang echoed these sentiments, questioning the motive behind the priest’s murder.“Why would anyone target a man of God who had no enemies?” Kisang asked. “We cannot just sit back. We will send a team of four elders to the home of the late Father Bett in Olessois tomorrow to seek forgiveness on behalf of the community.”
The leaders also emphasized the importance of spiritual development in Tot, an area plagued by decades of insecurity. They urged the church to expand its presence in the region, citing the need for moral guidance and community unity.
“We need more churches in Tot. That’s the only way to fight backwardness and criminality,” said Cherargei.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago pointed out that the priest was killed just meters from where he had been preaching. He urged the church, which has had a long presence in the region, to help unearth the truth behind the murder.
The Tot region is currently undergoing major infrastructure upgrades, including a long-awaited KSh 5 billion road project. Residents say it has taken over 60 years to get this far, and violence continues to threaten progress.
Also present at the mass were Nandi Deputy Governor Yulita Cheruiyot and former Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey, who expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
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