Bishop Says Murder of Kenyan Priest Will Be a Seed for New Life
The murder of Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett, a Kenyan priest in Eldoret Diocese, has exposed the rampant insecurity in the region. Shot after celebrating Mass, locals suspect bandits thought he was an informant for police. Bishop Dominic Kimengich calls for justice and transformation, concerned for the safety of future clergy. As schools shutter and fear escalates, police vow to enhance security. The situation reflects a chilling trend of violence against priests in Kenya.
The assassination of Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett, a Kenyan priest serving at St. Matthias Mulumba Tot parish, has left the Eldoret Diocese shaken. His death occurred on May 22nd, following an ambush after he celebrated Mass in Kakbiken, located in Kenya’s troubled Western Highlands. The priest was shot multiple times—once in the neck and once in the stomach—resulting in his immediate death. Some locals believe this act of violence was instigated by bandits who suspected the priest of being an informant for law enforcement.
Richard Ruto, a catechist at the parish, noted that investigators had visited Bett’s residence just days prior to the attack, raising suspicions about the bandits’ motives. They may have misidentified the priest, thinking he was using his local knowledge to disclose information about their whereabouts. Coincidentally, the same day Fr. Bett was killed, another priest was buried—a situation with tragic parallel, as Fr. John Maina Ndegwa also fell victim to gunmen just days earlier.
In response to this escalating violence, Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret reflects on the potential for transformation. He suggested during a requiem for Fr. Bett that this tragedy might serve as an impetus for change: “We believe that there is a reason behind everything that happens. It could be that God is talking to us,” he articulated, implying that perhaps Fr. Bett’s sacrifice may foster peace in the Kerio Valley.
Bishop Kimengich was unyielding, proclaiming that justice must prevail, indicating Fr. Bett’s death is a call to arms for security forces. His sentiments resonate with many who mourn, urging a reassessment of safety measures in the area. He warned, “Maybe it has taken the life of Fr. Allois for us to seriously address the issue of peace in Kerio Valley.” The bishop expressed concerns over the future of clergy in the region, stopping short of pressuring them to stay in unsafe environments.
The situation is grave, with educational institutions shuttered and healthcare professionals fleeing amidst fears for their safety. A total of 54 primary schools and 19 secondary schools have closed down due to the rising violence, with leaders from teaching unions demanding action. John Cheberi, a representative from the Kenya National Union of Teachers, voiced his concern for the non-local educators, questioning, “If a priest, a symbol of peace, can be targeted and killed for preaching peace, what will happen to teachers?”
Police have attempted to comfort the community by emphasizing security enhancements. Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat stated that measures are being escalated to ensure safety for educational institutions and essential services, reassuring the public that “learning should go on.” But with a history of violent attacks on clergy, skepticism remains high.
The frequency of these brutal killings has become alarming in Kenya, with a tragic history highlighting attacks on priests stretching back more than two decades, often shrouded in unanswered questions regarding their motives and perpetrators. As evidenced by this tragic wave of violence, the dangers facing religious leaders appear to be intensifying, leaving the community to grapple with both grief and a pressing need for change towards safety and justice.
The killing of Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett amplifies the ongoing crisis of insecurity in Kenya, deeply affecting local communities, particularly those in the Eldoret Diocese. Bishop Kimengich’s appeal for transformation and justice carries weight as it resonates with fears within the clergy and community. As violence continues to mount, the need for action from law enforcement and local leaders is more pressing than ever, especially as educational institutions and health services falter under the threat of insecurity. This unfolding tragedy signals a critical moment for meaningful interventions to restore peace in the troubled region.
Original Source: www.catholicworldreport.com
