The late father Allois Cheruiyot Bett
The Catholic Church has released the funeral programme for Father Allois Bett, who was tragically killed two weeks ago.
The body will be moved on Monday from Moi Referral Hospital morgue to Sacred Heart Cathedral in Eldoret for a requiem mass and public viewing.
Afterwards, the body will be escorted by road to Holy Family Ol Lessos Parish in Nandi county for a night vigil ahead of the burial.
On Tuesday, the body will be taken to St Michael’s Terige High School for public viewing and a final funeral mass.
Following the mass, a procession will escort Father Bett’s body to the cemetery at Ol Lessos Parish, where he will be laid to rest.
Top government officials and clergy are expected to attend the funeral.
Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret will lead the funeral proceedings.
Father Bett served at St Mulumba Church in Tot, Kerio Valley, where he was shot by armed bandits while returning from a Jumuiya mass approximately two kilometres from the church.
“It is a big loss to the church and the community. We continue to demand justice for him. His killers must be held accountable under the law,” Bishop Kimengich said.
Father Bett’s murder has sparked widespread condemnation but also heightened tension and fear in Kerio Valley.
Due to worsening insecurity, the Catholic Church has shut down its missionary operations and stations in the region, including Chesongoch Mission Hospital, forcing about 100 health workers—including nurses and clinic officers—to withdraw.
The hospital served thousands of residents and was the main healthcare facility in the area.
Governor Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet expressed regret over the situation and assured that efforts are underway to restore security.
“We are working with the national government to restore peace and security as soon as possible so normal operations can resume,” said Rotich.
The Missionary Benedictine Sisters issued an official statement explaining their decision to close the Kerio Valley mission indefinitely due to insecurity.
Following Father Bett’s killing by suspected bandits last week, continued unrest has severely affected their work.
“There has been high tension and insecurity causing mental, emotional, and psychological trauma to our sisters,” the statement said.
The mission is unable to continue essential services due to staff fleeing the area.
“We have therefore decided, with immediate effect, to close our mission stations indefinitely until the area is safe for service,” said Sister Rosa Pascal, head of the mission.
The closure aims to ensure the safety of the sisters, employees, and visitors.
“It also aims to press the government for a lasting peace solution, including disarming civilians,” Sister Pascal added.
She stressed that the move serves as a reminder to the Kerio Valley community of the mission’s importance.
“If the community does not consider our mission essential, then there is no need for our presence,” the statement concluded.
