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A Catholic priest was fatally shot on Thursday afternoon in a violent ambush by armed bandits in the troubled Kerio Valley region, known for recurring insecurity.
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The priest had just finished leading a small Christian community (Jumuiya) mass in Kakbiken village and was returning to Tot with a catechist when they were attacked. Witnesses say gunmen opened fire on the pair, killing the priest instantly while the catechist remains missing.
“They were ambushed by armed youths who fired four shots—three missed, but one hit the priest in the neck,” recounted a local catechist.
The attack occurred around 2:30 p.m., barely a kilometre from a police station. A joint team of police, National Police Reservists, and locals responded with a manhunt that led to an exchange of gunfire.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge confirmed receiving the report but said he would comment later.
The brutal killing has sent shockwaves through the community, with tensions running high as security forces track down the perpetrators.
This comes just days after Catholic Bishop of Eldoret, Dominic Kimengich, raised concerns about rising bandit attacks in the region, despite a two-year Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) operation meant to curb the violence.
Bishop Kimengich, who has been informed of the priest’s death, is reportedly heading to the scene. In earlier remarks, he urged the government to stop criminals from derailing peace in the area. “We cannot allow a handful of individuals to continue shedding innocent blood in Kerio Valley,” he said.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has also been briefed on the incident, which is likely to intensify pressure on the government to bolster security operations in the volatile region.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, police in Nakuru and Nyandarua are investigating the mysterious death of another Catholic priest, Fr. John Maina Ndegwa.
Fr. Maina, who led Igwamiti Catholic Parish, was found unconscious with severe injuries by the roadside in Kikopey, Gilgil—more than 50 km from his parish—on May 16.
Police suspect he was attacked elsewhere and later dumped at the location. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has urged the public to avoid online speculation as investigations continue.
An autopsy conducted by government pathologist Dr. Ngulungu on May 19 revealed that head bruises observed on the priest were unlikely to have caused his death. Samples have been sent for toxicology testing to determine the exact cause.
Detectives are currently analyzing forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts to trace Fr. Maina’s last movements.
Preliminary findings suggest he was being followed by individuals who demanded a share of funds allegedly given to him by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after a silver jubilee celebration at his parish.
