Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has called on the Ministry of Interior and the National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to push for swift action following the tragic killing of Father Alois Cheruiyot Bett in Elgeyo Marakwet.

In a heartfelt message shared on his official X account on Friday, May 23, 2025, Barasa urged Murkomen to take immediate steps to investigate the murder and bring those responsible to justice.

Barasa on Father Bett’s kindness

The vocal MP further described the late Catholic priest as a selfless servant and true man of God, whose compassion touched many lives.

He recalled one of Father Bett’s most inspiring gestures, leading a fundraiser to help a shoeless boy attend his graduation, as a symbol of the priest’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the vulnerable.

“Heartbroken by the tragic killing of Father Alois Cheruiyot Bett, a true man of God and a selfless servant. His compassion, like the fundraiser he led for a shoeless graduating boy in Elgeyo Marakwet, inspired many. We’ve lost a rare soul who lived his faith and gave hope to the forgotten,” Barasa wrote.

“I urge the Ministry of Interior to act swiftly and ensure redress. Kenya can’t afford to lose such noble men without consequence.”

Call for justice

The MP’s statement comes amid growing public outrage over the killing, with many Kenyans calling for improved security and justice for the slain priest.

In a statement shared by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) through its Department for Justice and Peace, on the night of Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Church called for the government to speed up investigations and ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.

“We mourn Fr John Maina Ndegwa and Fr Allois Cheruiyot Bett, both violently killed within a week. Their deaths are a tragic loss to the Church and nation,” the KCCB posted on its official X account.

“We call for urgent government action to ensure justice, safety, and an end to impunity.”

Father Bett’s death

According to the police, Father Bett, who was based at St Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, was accosted and fatally shot shortly after concluding a Jumuiya (small Christian community) mass in Kakbiken village.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, May 22, 2025, in Kabartile Village, Mokoro Location, Kerio Valley, within Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“The National Police Service (NPS) regrets to confirm the tragic shooting of Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish. The incident occurred in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul Sub-Location, Kabartile Village. General Service Unit officers responded swiftly and established that Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants,” the National Police Service statement reads in part.

“A manhunt was immediately launched, and six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody. Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident is not in any way related to cattle rustling or banditry.”

PRESS STATEMENT : SHOOTING INCIDENT INVOLVING FATHER ALLOIS BETT pic.twitter.com/MneTAN4wM4

— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) May 22, 2025