Catholic Church’s Missionary Benedictine Sisters have issued a statement after the recent surge in insecurity cases in the Kerio Valley and the tragic killing of Father Allois Bett, the parish priest of St. Mathias Mulumba, Tot Parish.

Father Bett was fatally shot by unknown gunmen earlier this month while on his way from a church mission.

In response to the volatile situation, the Missionary Benedictine Sisters, in an official notice released on Friday, 30th May 2025, announced the indefinite closure of their mission in the region, effective immediately.

Sister Rosa Pascal, Prioress of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters, stated that missionary work in the area has been affected by high tension of insecurity, which has caused mental, emotional and psychological trauma to the sisters and the inability to run the essential services due to a lack of staff who are fleeing the area.

“Following the recent happenings in Kerio Valley where Fr. Alloys Bett, Parish priest of St. Mathias Mulumba, TOT parish, was killed, unrest has continued to be experienced in the area,” read the statement.

“We have therefore arrived at a decision with immediate effect, (30/05/2025) to close our mission stations indefinitely until the area is safe for service.”

Missionary Benedictine Sisters act after death of Father Allois

Sister Rosa further emphasized that the action is driven by the urgent need to protect those who serve and those who rely on the mission’s services.

The sisters underscored the gravity of the decision and urged the government to step up efforts to restore lasting peace in Kerio Valley, including disarming the civilians, further highlighting the need for the community to value the mission’s role.

“If the community does not consider our mission as essential to them, then there is no need of our presence,” the statement adds.

Among the facilities affected by the closure is the Chesongoch Mission Hospital, a vital healthcare provider in the region.

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The suspension of the mission comes just days after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) called for thorough investigations to uncover the truth behind the deaths of Father Allois Bett and Father James Maina of the Nyahururu Catholic Diocese.

KCCB raised concerns about possible foul play in the deaths of the two priests — one gunned down and the other allegedly poisoned, according to the bishops.

KCCB calls for inquiry into the deaths of two priests

The incidents have raised serious questions about the safety of religious leaders serving in vulnerable and remote areas.

In the first incident, Father James Maina died while receiving medical treatment in what KCCB described as a case of possible kidnapping and poisoning.

The bishops noted that the nature of his death suggests murder or foul play.

His death, shrouded in mystery, has prompted an investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), with the homicide department now handling the case.

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Just days after Father Maina’s death, Father Allois was ambushed and shot dead on May 22 while on his way to conduct a church service in Kerio Valley.

Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge confirmed that the priest was killed by unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits.

“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,” said KCCB Chairperson Reverend Maurice Muhatia Makumba.

President William Ruto, while mourning Father Allois, described him as a faith-based leader who inspired a generation and promised that his administration would bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book.

“Fr. Allois was a tireless promoter of peace and a true faith leader whose sermons were genuine, clear and targeted. May God grant the family and friends strength to bear this painful death,” Ruto said.

“We will hunt down his killers as we commit to restore peace in the Kerio Valley. Rest In Peace, Father.”

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