Hundreds of Catholic faithful, clergy, and family members gathered at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Eldoret City for the emotional requiem mass of slain Catholic priest Fr Allois Cheruiyot Bett.

The packed cathedral, located along the Eldoret-Malaba road, was a solemn space filled with grief and reflection, just days after a peace walk and night vigil had been held in Eldoret in his honour on June 1.

In photos shared online, mourners were seen carrying a banner bearing two images of Fr Bett conducting mass, along with his dates of birth and death, painting a picture of a man deeply loved and revered by the community.

The priest's killing has stirred widespread outrage and sorrow, prompting calls for accountability and justice, especially since his death came barely weeks after another Catholic priest died under suspicious circumstances.

In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) voiced deep concern over the two deaths, saying the incidents were "shrouded in malicious intent and mystery."

"We demand a deep inquiry into these deaths to reveal the real circumstances and motives to ensure the security and safety of our priests and all Kenyans going forward," the KCCB statement reads in part.

"We are greatly disturbed that both deaths have come with veiled malicious intent and mystery. We wish to decry the deaths of these ministers of God and the sense of insecurity and helplessness created by such incidents against the servants of God."

The bishops condemned the killings as heinous acts and urged the government to carry out a thorough investigation to protect both clergy and the public.

The National Police Service (NPS) has since disclosed that preliminary investigations have ruled out cattle rustling or banditry as the motive behind Fr Bett's killing.

"The National Police Service (NPS) regrets to confirm the tragic shooting of Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish. The incident occurred in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul Sub-Location, Kabartile Village. General Service Unit officers responded swiftly and established that Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants," the police said.

The tragic incident took place on the afternoon of Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Kabartile Village, Mokoro Location, within Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County, shortly after Fr Bett had conducted a Jumuiya (small Christian community) mass in Kakbiken village.

"A manhunt was immediately launched, and six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody. Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident is not in any way related to cattle rustling or banditry," the NPS added.

Photos by Lynn Kolongei, Elvis Kosgey, Victor Rotich, Courtesy