Key suspect in Fr Bett’s murder arrested as police hunt continues
The suspect was cornered by residents at Tot Sub County hospital, where he had gone to seek refuge while being pursued by locals and police reservists.
Police have arrested one of the main suspects linked to the killing of Catholic priest Allois Cheruiyot Bett, as a multi-agency operation continues in Kerio Valley to capture others involved.
The suspect was cornered by residents at Tot Sub County hospital, where he had gone to seek refuge while being pursued by locals and police reservists.
He was later handed over to the Special Operations Group (SOP) deployed to track down those behind the murder.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge confirmed the arrest and said the operation was ongoing.
"We have the operation intensified so that we get all the others," Mulinge said.
Security agencies are still searching for three more suspects believed to have been part of the attack.
The operation follows the expiry of a four-day ultimatum issued to the local community to surrender those responsible.
The Catholic-run Chesongoch Mission Hospital was shut down after staff left due to safety concerns.
Police have maintained a heavy presence in the area, with a team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations camping in the region to lead the hunt.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who visited the area last weekend, warned that security forces would use all available means to arrest the suspects if they are not handed over.
"If you will not help us to get them, then it will not be business as usual," Lagat said.
The warning came after area elders had requested time to help surrender the suspects.
The killing has drawn strong condemnation from political and church leaders.
Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Eldoret Diocese said the church wants justice for the late priest, who was 35 years old and had served for less than three years.
"What we have seen in Kerio Valley is enough. The killings have to stop so that our people can enjoy peace and development," Bishop Kimengich said.
He announced that Fr Bett will be buried on Tuesday, June 3, at Holy Family Parish church in Olessos, Nandi County.
Three governors: Stephen Sang of Nandi, Wesley Rotich and Jonathan Bii of Elgeyo Marakwet, joined other leaders in condemning the killing and called on the community to help in arresting the criminals.
Governor Rotich apologised to the church and said the act was done by individuals and not the community.
Sang added that residents knew those responsible but had failed to act due to fear and threats.
"We want justice to be done for our late Fr Bett, and those criminals must be surrendered to face the law," Sang said.
Rotich said the local community had agreed to hand over those involved in the priest’s killing.
