Bishop Says Murder of Kenyan Priest Will Be “a Seed for New Life”

The brutal killing of Kenyan priest Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett has caused an uproar in a troubled region marked by poverty and crime. Bett was ambushed after Mass on May 22, leading to suspicions he was targeted for being a perceived informant. Bishop Dominic Kimengich believes this tragedy might inspire change and calls for justice. Meanwhile, local schools have closed amid growing insecurity, raising alarms among community members and educators. With a history of violence against clergy, this incident exemplifies a disturbing trend in the region.

The tragic murder of Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett in Kenya has sent shockwaves through the local community. Bett, a pastor at the new St. Matthias Mulumba Tot parish in Eldoret, was ambushed and killed after celebrating Mass on May 22nd in Kakbiken. He was shot twice—once in the neck and once in the stomach, leading to his immediate death. This brutal act is believed to have been carried out by bandits who suspected him of being a security informer.

Richard Ruto, a catechist at Bett’s parish, noted that detectives had visited the priest’s home days before his death, asking about his whereabouts. Ruto expressed concern that the assailants mistakenly thought Bett was using his local knowledge to report their activities to authorities. On the same day, another priest, Fr. John Maina Ndegwa, was being buried after succumbing to injuries from a previous attack, which only added to the community’s grief.

Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret held a requiem for Fr. Bett on May 25 and spoke about the significance of the tragedy. He suggested that the violence could spark a movement toward positive change. “We believe that there is a reason behind everything that happens. It could be that God is talking to us,” he remarked, emphasizing the potential for Bett’s death to inspire peace in Kerio Valley.

The bishop passionately stated, “Fr. Allois’ blood, which was spilt innocently, will not go for nothing.” He further called for justice, using the occasion to urge security agencies to take the ongoing violence seriously. Kimengich remarked it might take such tragedies for people to truly confront the underlying issues of security in the region.

Safety concerns have escalated among priests and community members, potentially discouraging future clerics from offering their services in these volatile areas. Kimengich pointed out that the impact of this incident extends beyond the immediate tragedy—few priests now feel safe in the region, creating a fearful atmosphere.

The violence has led to widespread closures of primary and secondary schools in the area with 54 primary and 19 secondary schools shut down. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have supported these closures, placing the blame on ongoing insecurity.

John Cheberi from the KNUT called for swift action against those responsible for Fr. Bett’s death, indicating a fear shared by many. “If a priest, a symbol of peace, can be targeted and killed for preaching peace, what will happen to teachers…?” he raised the alarm about non-local teachers facing danger.

In response to the unrest, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has assured the public that security measures are being taken to protect schools and the community. He stressed that safety is a priority, stating, “We have provided adequate security, and learning should go on.”

This incident follows a troubling trend of attacks on clergy in Kenya, raising significant concerns about safety in religious roles. Previous killings of priests, some dating back to as early as 2000, highlight a dire pattern of violence targeting religious figures. Analysts suggest these attacks are often motivated by criminal intentions to silence individuals who threaten their operations, underscoring a troubling reality facing many in these communities.

In light of these events, many continue to call for a reevaluation of security protocols and deeper engagement from government officials to address the underlying causes of this violence and restore peace to the region.

The murder of Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett has highlighted the severe and ongoing challenges facing clergy in regions plagued by crime and insecurity in Kenya. Bishop Kimengich’s call for justice and change resonates within the community as fears about the safety of both religious leaders and local residents intensify. With schools closing and pastors hesitant to serve in the area, it’s evident that the repercussions of this tragedy will be felt long term. The recent events call for serious attention to the security situation and might serve as a catalyst for change, though the path ahead appears fraught with challenges.

Original Source: www.catholicworldreport.com