KDF Moves In: Top Security Command Meets in Baringo After Killing of Catholic Priest
In the wake of the shocking killing of Catholic priest Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett in Kerio Valley, senior security officials convened a high-level crisis meeting in Baringo County to reassess and strengthen the ongoing fight against rising insecurity in the North Rift region.
The closed-door session was held at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) sub-centre in Marigat, under the leadership of Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Mohamed, and brought together officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), police commanders, and members of the Baringo County Security and Intelligence Committee. The meeting also included key personnel involved in Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU)—the multi-agency initiative combating banditry and livestock theft in the region.
Coordinated Strategy Against Banditry and Cattle Rustling
The meeting focused on evaluating the current impact of security operations and designing new strategies to enhance rapid response, intelligence sharing, and collaboration across multiple security agencies. Officials cited persistent threats such as cattle rustling, ambushes, and cross-border bandit attacks as critical challenges requiring renewed tactical approaches.
Major Felix Makenzi, representing OMU Commander Brigadier Joel Arimi, called on local sub-county security teams to intensify community-level engagements and hold regular security barazas with chiefs, NPRs (National Police Reservists), and local leaders.
“Localised vigilance is key. We must ensure every security concern is addressed early through grassroots collaboration,” Major Makenzi emphasized.
Tech-Driven Solutions Encouraged
Commissioner Abdi Mohamed urged agencies to embrace modern technology in surveillance and coordination, recommending tools such as drone reconnaissance, real-time data platforms, and secure digital communication systems. These tools, he said, would significantly improve the speed and accuracy of threat detection and response.
Murder of Fr. Bett Sparks Regional Outcry
The security meeting comes just days after the killing of Fr. Allois Bett, a priest serving at St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church in Tot Parish, Elgeyo Marakwet. According to witnesses, he was ambushed by gunmen shortly after concluding a Jumuiya (Small Christian Community) mass in Kakbiken village. Reports indicate that the attackers fired four shots—three of which missed him and his companion, but one struck the priest in the neck, killing him instantly.
The brutal murder has provoked widespread condemnation and fear, with residents, teachers, and civil servants in the Kerio Valley warning of mass walkouts if urgent action is not taken.
In a bid to calm tensions, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lang’at met with concerned groups and urged them to remain at their posts, assuring that enhanced security deployment and patrols were already underway to restore order and confidence in the region.
A Region on Edge, A Government Under Pressure
As the North Rift continues to grapple with waves of insecurity, the latest high-level discussions reflect the government’s growing recognition of the urgent need for multi-layered, intelligence-led, and community-driven security frameworks.
The killing of a man of the cloth—seen by many as a symbol of peace—has further galvanized calls for lasting peace and government accountability. All eyes are now on the outcomes of these renewed security measures, as residents wait and hope for an end to the bloodshed.
