A sombre cloud hangs over St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish after the brutal murder of Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was gunned down in what police now describe as a targeted and heinous attack in Kabartile Village.
According to the National Police Service, Father Bett had just concluded a Jumuiya (small Christian community) Mass in Kakbiken Village and was travelling back to Tot when he was ambushed.
The attack occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday—shockingly, just a kilometre from a local police station. A catechist accompanying the priest has since gone missing, and their fate remains unknown.
In a swift response, General Service Unit (GSU) officers launched a manhunt, and six suspects have been apprehended and are in police custody.
“This was a targeted act of violence, not linked to the cattle rustling or banditry common in the North Rift,” said police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga. “We are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves.”
The National Police Service has condemned the killing in the strongest terms, expressing deep sympathy to the priest’s family and the broader parish community. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the faithful of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish and vow to leave no stone unturned in the quest for justice,” the statement read.
Authorities are now appealing to members of the public to support ongoing investigations by sharing any relevant information. Residents are encouraged to use toll-free hotlines or anonymously reach out via the #FichuakwaDCI platform.
Meanwhile, efforts to locate the missing catechist continue under heightened security operations in the region.
