The tragic death of Father Alloys Cheruiyot has sparked widespread outrage and intense criticism from leaders, accusing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of laxity and incompetence in the investigation.

During Father Cheruiyot’s solemn requiem mass held on June 2, 2025, ahead of his burial on June 3, 2025, at Lessos, leaders did not hold back their disappointment with the handling of the case.

Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei, who was among those attending the service, was particularly vocal in his condemnation of Murkomen’s role in the ongoing investigation.

Cherargei’s sharp critique centred on what he described as Murkomen’s blatant incompetence. “You can see this guy is incompetent. I had earlier said the incompetence we saw in the Ministry of Roads could be corrected later, but incompetence in the Ministry of Interior, when lives are lost, is unforgivable.”

His remarks reflected a broader sentiment in political circles and among the public, where there is growing impatience with the slow pace of justice. The failure to arrest suspects months after the heinous crime has eroded confidence in the Ministry of Interior’s leadership.

Further emphasising his point, Cherargei recommended that President William Ruto consider reassigning Murkomen to a diplomatic post abroad, where his skills could be better utilised.

He suggested countries such as Gaza, Pakistan, or Tanzania as possible locations for Murkomen to focus on fostering international relations rather than internal security matters, underscoring the level of dissatisfaction with Murkomen’s stewardship of the docket.

The slow progress has not only angered politicians but also deeply concerned religious leaders who view the case as a moral test for the nation’s justice system. Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret expressed grave disappointment over the failure to apprehend the killers despite clear deadlines.

“We were asked to give them three days to conclude the matter, but as of now, the killers have not been apprehended,” Bishop Kimengich lamented. His words highlighted the increasing frustration within the community and the wider public that justice remains elusive.

Jackson Mandago, Uasin Gishu senator, echoed these concerns, stressing the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the county to prevent further violence. “The wrongdoers should be apprehended immediately,” he said, calling for decisive action to restore peace and public confidence.

The killing of Fr. Cheruiyot has stirred national outrage, with many Kenyans demanding accountability from security agencies and government officials. The perceived delay in apprehending the suspects has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of leadership in the Ministry of Interior and the overall capacity to handle critical security matters.

Police statement

Following the incident, the National Police Service issued a statement confirming the arrest of six individuals. NPS detailed that Father Bett was ambushed and fatally shot in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul Sub-Location.

The attackers reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident, prompting an urgent manhunt by General Service Unit (GSU) officers.

“Six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody,” the statement signed by NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga read in part.

Murkomen, while visiting the deceased’s family, vowed to track those responsible for the murder.