A tragic incident unfolded in Kenya as Father Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett was murdered on 22 May 2025, in the Tot area of the Kerio Valley, part of the Elgeyo Marakwet county. The priest, who belonged to the Diocese of Eldoret, was shot by a group of armed men after celebrating Mass in the village of Kakbiken. According to witnesses, the attackers believed Father Bett was an informant in a security operation, leading to his fatal shooting in the neck.
The National Police Service responded quickly to the incident and launched an investigation. Six suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody. The police statement confirmed that officers from the General Services Unit determined Father Bett was approached and fatally shot by armed men.
This incident marks the second murder of a Catholic priest in Kenya within a week. On 15 May, Father John Ndegwa Maina, parish priest of St. Aloysius Church in Igwamiti, died in the hospital after being found with serious head injuries on the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway. The investigation into Father Maina’s death is ongoing, with Bishop Joseph Ndembu Mbatia of Nyahururu assuring the faithful that answers will be provided once the investigation is complete.
The Diocese of Eldoret expressed deep sadness over Father Bett’s tragic death, describing him as a devoted servant of God, a compassionate soul, and a pillar of hope for many. Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto also paid tribute to Father Bett, calling him a tireless promoter of peace and a true faith leader.
Unfortunately, Kenya has experienced a string of clergy homicides in recent years. In 2000, American missionary John Anthony Kaiser was assassinated, and his murder remains unsolved. More recently, in 2019, Father Michael Maingi Kyengo was found dead in a shallow grave, and Father John Njoroge was shot dead by thugs who robbed him of the weekly church collection.