Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen condoles the family of slain Catholic priest Fr Alloys Cheruiyot Bett./PHOTO:MINA
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed that the government will not relent in its crackdown on banditry, following the brutal killing of Catholic priest Fr. Alloys Cheruiyot Bett in Kerio Valley.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Fr. Bett’s family in Cheplasgei Village, Nandi County, Murkomen said security operations will be intensified until every perpetrator is brought to justice.
“In recent weeks, our security forces have intensified the crackdown against bandits in Kerio Valley, and arrests have been made,” Murkomen said.
“Frustrated by the inability to carry out livestock raids, the bandits have resorted to terrorist activities where they kill innocent civilians inside the community.”
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen condoles the family of slain Catholic priest Fr Alloys Cheruiyot Bett./PHOTO:MINA
His death follows the killings of Bonface Ongote and Simon Njaga, incidents Murkomen described as a shift in tactics by bandits aiming to instill fear and disrupt peace efforts.
“The attack on Fr. Bett must be understood from the context of his peace efforts and his evangelism against banditry,” Murkomen said.
“But we will not surrender. Instead, our security men and women will double their efforts.”
The CS urged local communities in Kerio Valley to cooperate fully with security agencies as the government seeks to root out criminal elements.
“We are going to be relentless in our efforts. Though we mourn those we lost, including Fr. Bett, we are confident that we shall overcome. It’s darkest before dawn.”
Murkomen noted that government operations over the past two years have significantly weakened bandit networks.
According to recent data, banditry incidents have declined by more than 50% in the last five months compared to 2024.
“The larger Kerio Valley region is pacified, save for a few areas,” he said, attributing the progress to combined efforts from security forces, local communities, and religious leaders like Fr. Bett. “His killing is a big blow to those efforts.”
He warned that bandits have now retreated into communities and are using fear tactics in hopes the government will ease its operations.
“We will make sure that we hand the harshest punishment to the perpetrators of these heinous acts.”
Murkomen extended his condolences to Fr. Bett’s parents, Eunice and Joseph Binder, his siblings, the faithful of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, and the wider Diocese of Eldoret.
“Fr. Alloys was a deeply committed and energetic servant of God who went beyond the call of pastoral duty to foster peace and harmony in the community he faithfully served and loved,” he said.
The CS was accompanied by Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Emgwen MP Josses Lelmengit, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, area MCA Geoffrey Chemalan, and Nandi Central Deputy County Commissioner Jillet Jillo
