West Pokot leaders demand action over Catholic priest's murder at Tot

Slain Catholic priest, Fr Alois Bett of St Mulumba Catholic Church, Kerio Valley, who was shot dead on Thursday, May 22, 2025. [Courtesy]

West Pokot leaders have condemned the killing of Catholic priest Father Alois Cheruiyot, who was murdered during a peace mission at Tot last week.

They are calling for government intervention to eliminate armed bandits operating in the area.

During a thanksgiving ceremony at St Mary's Cheptulel Girls, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, and Woman Representative Rael Aleutum called for a joint security operation to eradicate the criminals.

Governor Kachapin urged residents to reject retaliatory attacks and cooperate with security agencies.

"We must not allow criminals to reverse the gains we have made in peacebuilding. If someone has committed a crime, they should be held accountable individually. We must not tarnish the name of an entire community," he said.

Kachapin called on the government to establish an Anti-Stock Theft Unit camp in the region and fund peace initiatives.

"We need to fix our roads and communication networks. Let the guns go silent, or the law will take its course," he warned.

"I want Cabinet Secretary Murkomen to come out and explain what transpired. We cannot continue losing prominent members of society to bandits. If this menace is not dealt with decisively, we risk surrendering our country to outlaws," said Lochakapong.

The leaders expressed concern for the safety of school-going children in Sigor and urged peace committees from both counties to take proactive measures in identifying the perpetrators.

"There should be no blanket condemnation. We want names. Individuals involved in these crimes must be identified and face the full force of the law," he said.

He also appealed for the depoliticisation of the security debate.

"Let's stop the blame game on social media and focus on solutions. We must open up security roads and resettle affected residents," he said.

Kapenguria MP, Moroto, criticised the lack of basic infrastructure for security officers, stating, "Security officers don't even have occurrence books."

He stressed the need for better facilities, including schools, roads, and water points.

Woman Representative, Rael Aleutum, pointed out that insecurity has disrupted economic activities in one of the region's most fertile zones.

"This area feeds many, but the continued violence is stalling its potential," she said and cautioned youths against posting inciting messages on social media.

"We're tired of exaggerated claims and inflammatory posts. Why incite communities when we should be fighting poverty together?" she questioned.

"It is unimaginable that a priest on a mission of peace can be killed in cold blood," said Nguriako Loperet, a village elder in Chesegon.

"The government must increase the number of National Police Reservists (NPRs) to protect innocent lives."

David Kopeyon, a resident of Cheptulel, said that learning in schools in the region remained paralysed due to fear.

"Teachers and learners are living in fear. Security needs to be beefed up immediately," he said.

As leaders push for solutions, residents continue to live in fear, hoping for a lasting end to the violence that has gripped the border region for years.