Calls for justice rang out at Chesongoch Primary School, Endo Ward, in Elgeyo Marakwet County during a peace meeting marked by emotional outcry and a united demand for justice following the brutal killing of Reverend, Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett on May 22, 2025.
The Catholic priest, who had served in the region for about six months, was returning to the parish compound after presiding over a Jumuia Mass, a Small Christian Community service, in Kakbiken village, located in the hilly terrain of Marakwet East.
He was accosted and fatally shot by suspected criminals along a narrow, rocky, and bushy footpath.
Benjamin Kimaiyo an Elder, led the call for justice with a powerful appeal: deliver justice without compromise.
“We love all our visitors,” Kimaiyo said. “Ask our teachers and government officers, we are not bad people. Let us work together in peace. When we see a bad person, let us call them out and stop protecting criminals in our midst. Our county cannot grow if we continue shielding criminals.”
Responding to a request from elders to be given three days to identify those who orchestrated the heinous act, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat embraced the initiative, but with stern clarity that justice would not be compromised.
”Elders, you have said you want three days to tell us who killed Father. I give you Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Come Thursday, it will not be business as usual. Tell us who killed Father. You know,” he declared.
Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, while delivering a message from the Pope in the Vatican, urged the people of Marakwet to embrace lasting peace.
“We want justice for Father Allois. First, we must know why he was killed. Second, may his blood, as the MP said, bring lasting peace to the Kerio Valley. We are saying it is not business as usual, because if a priest has been killed, the red line has been crossed, and no one is safe.”
He went on to plead with the community:
“The people of Marakwet, my people, I am your Bishop. To our leaders, let us come together and find a long-lasting solution. Elders, let us identify a path that will bring peace to this land.
Elder Kimaiyo also made a direct appeal to Deputy Inspector General Lagat, proposing a two-pronged approach:
“The hardcore criminals should be arrested and taken to prison. But grant amnesty to petty offenders. We, as elders, will speak to those who wish to surrender and reform, for us to make progress.”
Senator William Kisang, speaking at the same meeting, reassured professionals working in the region that Kerio Valley belongs to all Kenyans.
“There is no such thing as a non-local here. Elgeyo Marakwet is Kenya, and every Kenyan has the right to work here,” he said.
“We want our teachers, health workers, and contractors to return and continue their work.”
The Deputy Inspector General echoed the senator’s sentiments, promising full protection for professionals across the valley:
“To all teachers, KUPPET leaders, doctors, and contractors, whether local or not, we will ensure your safety.”
Governors Stephen Sang (Nandi) and Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo-Marakwet) called on national security agencies to intensify operations against criminal gangs and cautioned leaders against politicising the security crisis.
“This is not about politics,” Governor Rotich said. “It is about life and death. We must act firmly and fairly.”
As Kerio Valley mourns the brutal murder of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, one message rang loud and clear: justice and peace must prevail.
