Candlelight vigil held in Eldoret for slain priest Bett

Hundreds of Catholic faithful gathered in Eldoret for a night vigil and candlelight ceremony to honor the late Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett.

The mourners proceeded through the streets, singing hymns in remembrance of the fallen priest.

The vigil took place at the Nandi Gardens roundabout and was led by Father Gideon Bett, a close friend and classmate of Father Allois.

"We come together tonight to bid farewell to our dear friend Father Bett and to pray that God welcomes him for his devoted service to all of us," Father Gideon said.

The Catholic Church has scheduled a requiem mass and body viewing for Father Bett on Monday at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Eldoret. His burial will follow on Tuesday in Nandi County.

Father Bett’s body will be transferred from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue and accompanied in a funeral procession to the cathedral, with roads along the 2km route temporarily closed.

Following the mass, the body will be taken to Holy Family Ol’Lessos Parish in Nandi for an overnight vigil.

On Tuesday, the remains will be brought to St. Michael’s Terige High School for public viewing and a funeral mass. He will be laid to rest at the Ol’Lessos Parish cemetery.

Senior government officials and church leaders are expected to attend the funeral.

Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret will officiate the funeral services.

Father Bett, who ministered at St. Mulumba Church in Tot, Kerio Valley, was tragically shot and killed by bandits two weeks ago while returning from a Jumuiya mass in a nearby village, approximately two kilometers from his church.

"This is a profound loss for both the Church and the community. We continue to seek justice for Father Bett, and those responsible must be held accountable," Bishop Kimengich stated.

The killing has ignited nationwide outrage and escalated tensions in Kerio Valley.

In response, the Catholic Church has temporarily halted its activities across the area, including services at Chesongoch Mission Hospital.

Due to security concerns, about 100 healthcare workers—comprising nurses and clinicians—have pulled out.

Chesongoch Hospital, the main healthcare provider in the region, caters to thousands of local residents.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich voiced his worries about the situation and assured that efforts are ongoing to restore calm.

"We are collaborating with the national government to bring peace and security back to the region so that normal services can resume," Rotich stated.

The Missionary Benedictine Sisters, who oversee the mission, released a statement announcing the indefinite closure of their facilities amid rising insecurity.

"There is significant tension causing mental, emotional, and psychological distress to our sisters," said Sister Rosa Pascal, the mission’s leader.

She added that the closure was essential to safeguard both staff and visitors, as well as to urge the government to disarm civilians and bring lasting peace to the area.

"If the community does not view our mission as vital, then our presence here is unnecessary," she asserted.