Catholic Church Suspends Missionary Services in Kerio Valley After Fr. Bett’s Killing
The Catholic Church has announced the indefinite closure of its mission stations and the Chesongoch Mission Hospital in Kerio Valley following the escalating insecurity that has plagued the region.
The decision comes in the wake of the tragic killing of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was gunned down by suspected bandits last week as he returned from a Jumuiya mass at St. Mathias Mulumba Parish near Tot. His murder has fueled widespread fear and unrest, particularly among non-local residents, leading to heightened concerns for the safety of missionaries and staff working in the area.
The Missionary Benedictine Sisters, who run the Chesongoch Mission Hospital—a critical health facility with over 100 staff serving thousands of residents—issued an official notice announcing the closure. The statement, signed by Sister Rosa Pascal, head of the mission, cited the continued threat to lives and the deteriorating security situation as key reasons behind the closure.
“This closure is not only to safeguard our sisters and employees but also those who visit our facilities for healthcare and other services,” the statement read.
Sister Pascal emphasized that the move is also intended to urge the government to prioritize disarmament of illegal firearms in the region and find a sustainable peace solution to the persistent banditry.
“If the local community does not recognize the importance of our mission here, then we cannot justify our presence,” she added, highlighting the trauma and stress that the insecurity has caused to the sisters and staff.
The closure leaves a significant gap in health and social services for residents who relied heavily on the Chesongoch Mission Hospital and related facilities.
Father Bett, who was serving at St. Mathias Mulumba Parish, will be laid to rest on Tuesday at Ol Lessos Parish in Nandi County.
Local leaders and residents have decried the lack of effective government action to secure the area, with repeated calls for robust interventions to restore order and protect civilians.
The Catholic Church’s decision marks a somber turning point in the region’s struggle with insecurity, sending a clear message to authorities about the urgent need to address the ongoing violence that has shattered countless lives.
