The St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish in the Kerio Valley region of Elgeyo Marakwet County has announced ceasing operations in the area over continued cases of insecurity in the bandit-prone region.

Rosa Pascal, the prioress in charge of the Benedict Sisters’ Mission, confirmed the closure of the parish just over a week after the death of the Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett.

The closure will remain in force until the area is deemed safe for the resumption of normal services.

The mission says prevailing insecurity has adversely impacted operations in the area, with sisters working at the parish carrying the emotional toll of the situation.

“Following the recent happenings in Kerio Valley, where Fr. Alloys Bett, Parish priest of St. Mathias Mulumba, TOT parish. Unrest has continued being experienced in the area. This has affected our missionary work in the area.. we have therefore arrived at a decision with immediate effect (30/05/2025) to close our mission stations indefinitely until the area is safe for service,” a statement read.

In justifying the closure, the mission has further expressed optimism that their decision will prompt the authorities to work on finding a permanent solution to restore peace in the area.

The mission also holds that the closure is meant to ensure the safety of its personnel working in the region, including sisters, their employees, and those who visit our mission for different services.

The closure comes just over a week after the fatal killing of Father Bett, who was based at the Tot Parish on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

In a statement following the tragic shooting, police revealed that the deceased was on his way back to Tot, accompanied by a catechist, when the attack happened.

“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.

The demise also elicited widespread concern over the security of the men of the cloth, coming days after a Nyandarua Catholic priest, Father John Maina, was found dead under suspicious circumstances.

Bett is expected to be buried on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Ollessos area of Cheplaskei, Nandi County.