Shot After Service: Catholic Community Devastated by Murder of Young Tot Priest

 

The Catholic Church in Kenya is in mourning following the tragic killing of Rev. Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett, a young and dedicated priest who was fatally shot on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

According to local authorities, Fr. Allois was ambushed by unknown gunmen while returning from a Jumuiya (Small Christian Community) Mass at St. Joseph Kaptetany, Kakibigen Village, within Tot Parish. The motive of the attack remains unclear, and investigations are currently underway.

Fr. Allois, 33, was the Parish Priest of the newly established St. Mathias Mulumba Parish in Tot, where he had been serving since November 2024. His assignment there marked a significant milestone in his priestly journey, having been tasked with launching and shepherding a new faith community in a challenging region.

Born on 29th February 1992 in Manman village, Nandi County, Fr. Allois was the son of Joseph Kiptoo Arap Binder and Eunice Jepkemboi Binder. He was raised in a devout Catholic family and developed a deep sense of faith from an early age. He completed his primary and secondary education in Nandi before joining Christ the King Major Seminary in Nyeri in 2013.

He was ordained a deacon on 6th January 2022, and later ordained to the priesthood on 5th November 2022 by Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret. Following his ordination, he served at St. Paul Parish, Salient, and as Chaplain at St. Peter’s Marakwet Boys High School, before being appointed to head the new parish in Tot.

Bishop Kimengich, speaking on behalf of the Diocese, expressed deep sorrow over the priest’s untimely death. “Fr. Allois was a devoted servant of Christ, full of humility, passion, and dedication. His mission was just beginning, and his loss is a great blow to the Church and to the faithful of Tot Parish,” said the Bishop.

Parishioners and colleagues who knew him described Fr. Allois as “a gentle soul” and “a tireless shepherd” who was committed to peace-building, evangelization, and serving in areas where few dared to go.

Security concerns have been raised in the region following the killing. Church leaders and local officials are calling for enhanced protection of clergy and the faithful, especially in volatile and underserved areas.

Fr. Allois will be remembered not only for his priestly service but for his kind heart, leadership among youth, and fearless commitment to his vocation. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by the Diocese of Eldoret, with a series of memorial Masses planned to honor his life and legacy.

He is survived by his parents and five siblings.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”

June 02, 2025