Family Of Murdered Priest Speaks Out, Forgives Killers But Demand Justice
The family of martyred Catholic priest Father Allois Bett said they have forgiven those who murdered him in Kerio Valley and hope that his blood will bring lasting peace to the area.
His mother, Eunice Bender, led family members in a requiem mass held in Eldoret’s Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Although she did not address the gathering, Bishop Dominic Kimengich presided over the service.
The body of Fr Allois Cheruiyot Bett, the Catholic priest who was shot dead by bandits in Kerio Valley on May 22, 2025, was transferred from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary in Eldoret to the Sacred Heart Cathedral for a memorial mass and public viewing. pic.twitter.com/NuYSDHhmFO
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 2, 2025
Amos Samoei, a family representative, stated that they chose to forgive the killers in order to allow for a quiet and respectful funeral for Father Bett, who would be buried in Nandi on June 3.
However, the family is concerned about the delay in arresting those guilty of the priest’s killing.
Samoei stated that the family had many unresolved questions.
Nonetheless, two days ago, they opted to forgive the killers, hoping that Father Bett’s blood would symbolically cleanse Kerio Valley and bring peace and unity.
We forgive killers, but we want justice: Family of slain priest speaks out
— City Mirror (@citymirrorKE) June 2, 2025
The family of slain Catholic priest Father Allois Bett says they have forgiven those who killed him in Kerio Valley and hope that his blood will bring lasting peace to the region.
His mother, Eunice… pic.twitter.com/PddQmU5hwz
He questioned why security authorities were able to arrest the killers of a Member of Parliament in Nairobi within three days using CCTV and other resources, but were unable to apprehend those responsible for Father Bett’s murder.
“They used CCTV and everything possible to get the killers of the MP. Why not use the same speed to get these people?” said Samoei.
He emphasized that the family, particularly the mother, had been terribly injured but would continue to seek justice.
He also urged the Marakwet community to send elders to meet with Bett’s family as a sign of healing and enduring forgiveness.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang stated that they had encouraged the government to hasten the arrest of the killers, citing the local community’s failure to submit the culprits as previously promised.
Bishop Kimengich had criticized the bloodshed, saying the bandits in Kerio Valley had “crossed the red line” and that the government must do everything it can to put an end to the region’s senseless slaughter.
He also urged the security system to help halt extrajudicial executions in the country.
“Time for empty talk is over, we demand action,” said Bishop Kimengich. “We must stop these senseless killings so that we do not continue to lose innocent lives.”
He spoke at the requiem mass for Father Bett, who was gunned down by bandits two weeks ago.
“They have killed the children, the women, and now the priest. They have crossed all the red lines and must now be stopped,” said the bishop.
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He regretted the deteriorating security situation in Kerio Valley, despite security authorities’ capacity to protect citizens.
Among those who attended the service were Senators Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Samson Cherargei (Nandi), and Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea.
Rev. Fr Alois Cheruiyot Bett Was shot dead yesterday, 22nd May, 2025.
— 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 (@UgonnaMario) May 23, 2025
These are not just pictures.
They are windows into a life spent at the altar, among the people, carrying a cross few could see.
And then… he was mürrdered) in the line of duty.
Fr. Alois gave his all, not… pic.twitter.com/9GCYr1UgET
The priest was ambushed by armed men as he returned from a Jumuiya (little Christian community) mass in a village approximately two kilometers from the church.
Father Bett’s murder sparked an international outcry and increased tension in Kerio Valley, where a security operation is underway to find his killers.
Family Of Murdered Priest Speaks Out, Forgives Killers But Demand Justice
