A Village in Mourning: Leaders Demand Action as Fr. Allois Bett Laid to Rest
Nelson Tarbei
A heavy cloud of grief hung over Lessos, Nandi County, as hundreds of mourners, clergy, and political leaders gathered to bid a final farewell to Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was brutally killed by bandits in Tot, Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet, last month.
During the somber burial service, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich strongly condemned the killing, describing it as part of a wave of deadly attacks that have plagued the Kerio Valley.
“This year alone, over 300 lives have been lost to banditry in the region,” he lamented. Governor Rotich expressed regret over the negative stigma affecting his constituents, particularly students studying outside the county.
“I receive calls from young people in colleges saying they are now viewed as murderers simply because they’re from Elgeyo Marakwet,” he said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi called on the national government to declare Kerio Valley a disturbed area to allow deployment of additional security forces.
MP Sudi went further, urging the government to adopt a shoot-to-kill policy against armed bandits. “Why do we treat bandits with kid gloves? Why take them to court only for them to walk free the next day? These are not ordinary criminals — they are terrorists,” he declared.
Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek made an emotional appeal for unity and peace among the valley’s communities.
“We are brothers and sisters. It is shameful to keep killing each other,” he said.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii assured residents of North Rift of continued county-level efforts to restore peace.
“You’ve seen us — myself, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, and Governor Rotich — in the valley working towards reconciliation.
We are committed to ending banditry,” he affirmed.
Former Cabinet Minister Henry Kosgey weighed in on the need to reassess the role of the National Police Reservists (NPR), stating that some bandits exploit NPR cover to conceal illegal weapons.
“We must reconsider the NPR structure to curb misuse and enhance security,” he noted.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat gave a firm assurance that justice would be served.
“To all Kenyans, I promise: the guns will fall silent in Kerio Valley and all other affected regions,” he said.
The funeral Mass was presided over by Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Eldoret Diocese, with the assistance of Auxiliary Bishop John Kiplimo Lelei (Eldoret), Bishop Henry Odonya (Kitale), Bishop Emeritus Maurice Crowley, and Bishop George Mutaka (Lodwar).
The clergy collectively emphasized the urgent need for peace, reconciliation, and healing in the Kerio Valley region.
