Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen today visited the home of the late Rev. Fr. Alloys Cheruiyot Bett in Cheplasgei Village, Kilibwoni Division, Nandi County, to offer his condolences and stand in solidarity with the grieving family and community.
Fr. Alloys, a dedicated priest serving at St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish in Elgeyo Marakwet, was tragically killed in an attack suspected to be linked to retreating bandit groups. His murder has sent shockwaves across the region, drawing widespread condemnation and grief.
While addressing the family, friends, and church representatives, CS Murkomen described the late cleric as a selfless servant of God who went beyond his pastoral duties to promote peace and unity in Kerio Valley — an area long troubled by insecurity.
“This is a painful and senseless loss. Fr. Alloys was not just a priest but a beacon of hope and harmony in a region healing from years of banditry. His death is a blow to the church, the Diocese of Eldoret, and all peace-loving citizens,” said Murkomen.
The CS noted that while peace has significantly returned to Kerio Valley — with banditry incidents having dropped by 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year — criminals are now shifting tactics, targeting civilians and peace advocates in a desperate bid to intimidate communities and halt security operations.
He linked the recent killings of Bonface Ongote, Simon Njaga, and now Fr. Alloys Bett to this change in strategy by besieged criminal networks. “These are cowardly acts meant to scare us, but they will only strengthen our resolve. We are determined to finish this fight,” he asserted.
Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating banditry and criminality from the region, vowing to ensure that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are swiftly brought to justice. He further called on local communities to continue cooperating with security agencies and to stand united against forces of violence.
“We will not be deterred. We owe it to Fr. Alloys and others we have lost to make sure their efforts were not in vain. We will secure Kerio Valley, and we will punish those who seek to destroy the peace we are building,” he emphasized.
As the nation mourns Fr. Alloys, his legacy as a peace champion and spiritual leader continues to inspire efforts toward lasting harmony in the region.
“Rest in peace, Father Alloys. Your light will continue to shine in the work we do to bring peace to every corner of this country,” Murkomen concluded.
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