President William Ruto has broken his silence following the murder of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, Diocese of Eldoret.

In a statement on Friday, May 23, 2025, the head of state passed his condolences to the faithful of the parish where the deceased served before being fatally shot.

Ruto described the math of the cloth as a tireless promoter of peace and a true faith leader whose sermons were genuine, clear, and targeted.

“Our condolences to the church, the faithful of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, Diocese of Eldoret, for the loss of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett.

“Fr. Allois was a tireless promoter of peace and a true faith leader whose sermons were genuine, clear and targeted,” his statement read in part.

“May God grant the family and friends the strength to bear this painful death,” it added.

To track killers

At the same time, Ruto assured the residents that security agencies would track down those who orchestrated and those who pulled the trigger.

He further pledged to help ensure peace is restored in Kerio Valley.

“We will hunt down his killers as we commit to restore peace in the Kerio Valley,” Ruto said in his statement.

Six nabbed

Following the killing of the priest, the National Police Service deployed security reinforcement in the area to track down the perpetrators.

The multi-agency operation led to the arrest of six persons of interest.

“A manhunt was immediately launched and six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody”. He explained.

At the same time. NPS condemned the heinous act, committing to conducting thorough and expeditious investigations to apprehend all those involved in the crime.

“The Service extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, as well as the parishioners of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish”, NPS said as it appealed for calm.

“We appeal to local communities in the area to remain calm, continue with their daily activities without fear, and cooperate with the National Police Service. NPS further appeals for the public’s continued support and encourages anyone with information that may assist the investigation to report it to the nearest police station or through our toll-free numbers.”

The shooting happened days after Nyandarua Catholic priest, Father John Maina, was found dead under suspicious circumstances.