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A large crowd of Catholic faithful gathered in Eldoret for a candlelight vigil to honour Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was recently killed.
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The night procession, marked by hymn singing and heartfelt tributes, wound through the town’s streets, culminating at the Nandi Gardens roundabout. The vigil was led by Father Gideon Bett, a classmate of the deceased.
“We are here to honour our friend and pray that God welcomes him for his devoted service,” Father Gideon said during the ceremony.
A requiem mass and public viewing of Father Bett’s body are scheduled for Monday at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Eldoret, followed by his burial on Tuesday in Nandi County. His body will be transferred from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in a procession, during which some roads will be temporarily closed.
After the mass, the body will be taken to Holy Family Ol’Lessos Parish in Nandi for an overnight vigil. On Tuesday, it will proceed to St Michael’s Terige High School for public viewing and a funeral mass, before burial at the Ol’Lessos Parish cemetery.
Senior clergy and government officials are expected at the service, with Bishop Dominic Kimengich presiding over the funeral rites.
Father Bett, who served at St Mulumba Church in Tot, Kerio Valley, was fatally shot by armed assailants two weeks ago after conducting a Jumuiya mass in a nearby village.
“This is a tragic loss to both the Church and the community. We demand justice and accountability,” Bishop Kimengich said.
The murder has triggered national outrage and increased tensions in the volatile Kerio Valley. In response, the Catholic Church has halted operations in the area, including services at Chesongoch Mission Hospital, citing security concerns.
Nearly 100 medical personnel have since evacuated, disrupting services at the region’s primary health facility, which caters to thousands.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich acknowledged the crisis and assured that collaboration with the national government was underway to restore order.
The Missionary Benedictine Sisters, who manage the mission, announced an indefinite closure of their operations. Sister Rosa Pascal, the mission head, cited rising insecurity and the emotional toll on the staff as reasons for the decision.
“The safety of our personnel and visitors is paramount. This closure also calls on the government to disarm civilians and restore peace,” she said, adding, “If the community no longer values our mission, then our presence serves no purpose.”
