Catholic Bishops demand justice after killing of two priests

The Catholic Church in Kenya has condemned the recent killings of two of its priests, describing the deaths as cruel, mysterious, and deeply unsettling.

In a statement on Thursday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed sorrow and outrage over the violent death of Father Alois Bett and the suspected murder of Father James Maina.

"We, as the Catholic Bishops of Kenya under the KCCB, send our sincere condolences to the Bishop and Diocese of Nyahururu on the death of Rev. Fr. James Maina, and to the Bishop and Diocese of Eldoret for the death of Rev. Fr Alois Bett," the statement read.

Father Maina died while receiving treatment, with the Church pointing to signs of possible poisoning and kidnapping. His death, the bishops said, appears to involve foul play.

Father Bett, on the other hand, was shot and killed by unidentified attackers as he returned from ministering to the poor.

The bishops called the killing brutal and asked tough questions about the motive and the people behind it.

"This is murder most foul, and cries to God against its perpetrators. How can it be that security can't be guaranteed for those serving in these remote areas? Who is really behind such a meticulously executed murder?" they posed.

They went on to lament the rising cases of insecurity and disregard for human life, saying that even priests, whose work goes far beyond religion, are no longer safe.

"We as Catholic Bishops are totally dismayed by how cheap life has become, where murders and deaths are taken lightly, and used carelessly for political expediency," said the bishops.

The Church noted that its priests serve the sick, the forgotten, and the marginalised, giving hope where little remains.

The bishops called for a thorough investigation into both deaths to uncover the truth and ensure safety for all clergy and citizens.

"It reaches out to caring for the marginalised, the forgotten and the sick, to bring them hope that does not disappoint! We demand a deep inquiry into these deaths, to reveal the real circumstances and motives, so as to ensure the security and safety of our priests and all Kenyans going forward," the statement added.

Despite the pain, the bishops also offered a message of forgiveness.

"May God turn the hearts of those who have carried out these crimes to conversion. May God grant us the grace to forgive those who have taken the lives of our brothers. We look forward to a comprehensive report of these incidents in the shortest time."

They also appealed to Kenyans to pray for the bereaved families and for peace in the country.

"We know how much pain they are going through. We join the faithful of our entire country in praying for the souls of these priests. Eternal rest grant to them, oh Lord," concluded the statement.