Catholic Diocese of Eldoret and Elgeyo Marakwet Marks Family Day in Honor of Slain Priest Rev. Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett
Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County – May 22, 2025 (Evening Update)
A cloud of mourning and solidarity enveloped Nerkwo Parish Grounds today as the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, in collaboration with the Elgeyo Marakwet Pastoral Region, marked Family Day 2025 in honor of the late Rev. Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett of Tot Parish, who was gunned down by bandits earlier this week.
The Holy Mass, led by The Auxiliary Bishop Rt. Rev. John Kiplimo Arap Lelei, brought together clergy, faithful, and leaders from across the region. The event served as both a spiritual gathering and a powerful public statement calling for peace, justice, and lasting solutions to the insecurity plaguing Kerio Valley.
Remembering a Shepherd of Peace
Traditionally, a celebration of unity, this year’s Family Day was transformed into a memorial of profound significance. Fr. Bett was remembered as a servant of peace, a man who stood for hope and healing in a region often scarred by violence and fear.
His memory was honored with prayers, hymns, and messages of tribute from various leaders, who vowed to keep his legacy alive by supporting peace efforts and pushing for stronger security measures.
Leaders Call for Peace, Residents Demand Action
Present at the event were leaders from different levels of government and community structures, standing in unity with the Church and the people of Tot. They joined in mourning and in reaffirming their commitment to confronting the deep-rooted banditry that has claimed far too many lives.
The crowd, still visibly shaken by recent killings in the area, broke into emotional prayers and moments of silence as Fr. Bett’s legacy was recounted.
Community Still in Fear
This memorial comes just days after Tot High School was shut down indefinitely due to rising insecurity. Residents of Kerio Valley continue to live in fear, as attacks persist despite ongoing government interventions, including the deployment of a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and security officers.
