Requiem mass for slain priest sparks emotions as church readying his burial

The Catholic Diocese of Eldoret today held a solemn requiem mass for the late Fr. Alloise Bett, whose brutal killing in the volatile Kerio Valley has sent shockwaves across the nation and sparked fresh demands for security and justice in bandit-prone regions.
Fr. Bett was attacked and killed by unknown assailants on 22 May, 2025, while ministering in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County—a region plagued by recurrent insecurity and criminal violence. His death is currently under investigation by Kenya’s criminal justice agencies, with security forces under pressure to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The emotional mass took place at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Eldoret, presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich.
The Bishop delivered a powerful homily that mourned the fallen priest while issuing a passionate call for an end to the violence that continues to claim innocent lives in the region.
“We have lost a great servant of God in the most cruel manner,” Bishop Kimengich said. “What is left is only to hope that the blood of Fr. Alloise will bring peace to Kerio Valley. It is so disheartening to see innocent lives being lost every day due to banditry.”
The mass was attended by a large congregation including North Rift political leaders, among them Governors Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), Stephen Sang (Nandi), and Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu). Their presence sent a strong message of regional unity in condemning the killing and addressing insecurity in the area.
Governor Rotich eulogized the late Fr. Alloise as a “selfless priest who was always present in nourishing the spiritual lives of believers.” He cautioned against ethnic profiling, noting, “The bullet was triggered by only one person, not a group. We must stop generalizing communities on social media.”
Governor Jonathan Bii emphasized that the murder was “an attack on humanity,” pledging that the priest’s unfinished projects will be completed and one will be named in his honor.
Governor Stephen Sang urged the national government to move swiftly in disarming criminal elements. “We cannot afford to normalize such tragedies. Let us not allow Fr. Alloise’s blood to be shed in vain,” he said, calling for unity and national healing.
Alloise had served in the conflict-ridden Kerio Valley for over two years, frequently ministering under threats and tension. He will be laid to rest on Friday,30 May, 2025, details of the burial site will be announced later this week.