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 Bender, led family members during a requiem mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Eldoret.
Though she did not address the congregation, the service was presided over by Bishop Dominic Kimengich.
Family spokesman Amos Samoei said they had chosen to forgive the killers to allow a peaceful and dignified send-off for Father Bett, who will be laid to rest in Nandi on June 3.
However, the family has expressed concern over the delay in arresting those responsible for the priest’s death.
Samoei said the family had many unanswered questions. Still, two days ago, they decided to forgive the killers, praying that Father Bett’s spilt blood would symbolically cleanse Kerio Valley and usher in peace and unity.
He questioned why security agencies were quick to arrest the killers of a Member of Parliament in Nairobi within three days using CCTV and other resources, yet had failed to apprehend those behind 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 noted that the family, especially the mother, was deeply hurt but would still demand justice.
He also called on the Marakwet community to send elders to meet with Bett’s family in a gesture of reconciliation and lasting forgiveness.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang said they had urged the government to expedite the arrest of the killers, noting that the local community had failed to surrender the suspects as previously promised.
Bishop Kimengich earlier condemned the violence, saying the bandits in Kerio Valley had "crossed the red line" and the government must do everything possible to end the senseless killings in the region.
He also called on the security system to help end extrajudicial killings 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 during the requiem mass for Father Bett, who was shot dead 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, lamenting the worsening security situation in Kerio Valley despite the capacity of security agencies to protect residents.
The service was attended by Senators Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Samson Cherargei (Nandi), and Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea, among others.
Earlier, Father Bett’s body was moved from the MTRH morgue to the Sacred Heart Cathedral for mass and public viewing. It was escorted in a procession by priests and Catholic faithful.
According to the funeral programme, the body will be taken by road to the Holy Family Ol’Lessos Parish in Nandi County for a night vigil.
On June 3, it will be moved to St. Michael’s Terige High School for public viewing and a funeral mass.
After the mass, a procession will accompany the body to the cemetery at Ol’Lessos Parish, where Father Bett will be laid to rest.
Top government officials and members of the clergy are expected to attend.
Bishop Kimengich is leading the funeral rites for the priest, who was serving at St. Mulumba Church in Tot, Kerio Valley, where he was killed.
He was attacked by armed men as he returned from a Jumuiya (small Christian community) mass at a village about two kilometres from the church.
Father Bett’s murder sparked widespread condemnation and heightened tension in Kerio Valley, where a security operation is ongoing to track down his killers.
