Residents of Kerio Valley have now requested three days to identify and name the individuals responsible for the recent killing of a Catholic priest in East Marakwet.
The plea was made during a security meeting held at Chesongoch and attended by local leaders, residents, clergy, and police officers.
The slain priest, Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who served at St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, was ambushed and shot dead last Thursday afternoon as he travelled back to Tot after presiding over a Jumuiya mass in Kakbiken village.
Bett had served in the region for less than six months before his tragic death, which has shaken the local community and church leadership, forcing schools and health facilities to close.
The killing has also sparked renewed outrage over persistent insecurity in the North Rift, where, despite a heavy security presence, armed attacks by suspected bandits remain common.
The meeting convened by the area leaders was attended by senior security officers led by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Already, six suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Speaking at the meeting, Lagat warned that by Thursday, "it will not be business as usual" in the area, signalling possible heightened security operations.
“Give me those criminals who killed the father. You have told me you need three days, we are waiting for it,” he said while expressing confidence that the culprits will be found.
“If the names will not be provided by Thursday, it will not be business as usual here.”
Leaders in attendance urged residents to cooperate with authorities and warned politicians against politicising security matters.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang called on the national government to step up its efforts to combat criminal gangs destabilising the region.
Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich, who also present called on the leaders and residents of the county to collaborate to ensure the perpetrators arrested so that justice is served.
Lagat also assured all government officers, including teachers and doctors, as well as residents, that their safety is guaranteed.
He said all schools and key facilities in the Kerio Valley will be guarded by police reservists.
Speaking in Nandi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the bandits who killed the father confused him for the detectives spying on them.
