Leaders of the Muslim community in the North Rift region have sent their condolences to the family, friends, and believers of the deceased Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, a Catholic priest who died in a peace mission in troubled Kerio Valley.
In behalf of the Imams and the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), North Rift Chairman Sheikh Abubakar Buni eulogized the death of Father Bett, calling him a selfless servant of God who sacrificed his life in spreading gospel of peace in a region of insecurity.
"As Imams, we are expressing our messages of condolence to the relatives and friends of Father Bett," Sheikh Bini said. "He was a fearless man of God who ventured out to bring peace to Kerio Valley — a region where few people would venture out because there is never peace. He never showed any hesitation to go where there was no peace, because he wanted to unite the nation."
Sheikh Bini called on the government to act fast and firmly to quell the prevailing insecurity that has overwhelmed parts of the North Rift, particularly Kerio Valley, where scores of individuals have been murdered in recent months due to cattle robbery, banditry, and communal fighting.
It is time for the government to bring serious, long-term solutions. We need schools so that we can educate our children, hospitals so that we can treat the injured and houses of worship — churches and mosques — so that we can instruct the people in the word of God and the value of peace," he said.
Sheikh pointed out the importance of interfaith coexistence, clarifying that the Father Bett's death was not only a tragedy to the Catholic Church but to all peace-loving Kenyans regardless of religion.
We stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in this time of sorrow. Father Bett was not only a priest, he was a peacemaker. As Muslims, we partake in the sorrow and urge action to make sure no innocent lives are lost," he added.
Calls for peace and development in the Kerio Valley have intensified following the latest wave of unrest with political and religious leaders urging the national and county governments to prioritize security and social investment in the region.
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