Kipchumba Murkomen Under Fire as Insecurity Claims Life of Catholic Priest in Kerio Valley
Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, is facing unprecedented backlash from both citizens and lawmakers following the shocking murder of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, the beloved parish priest of St. Matthias Mulumba Catholic Church, Tot Parish.
Fr. Bett was shot dead by unknown assailants in the Kabigen area of Kerio Valley, a region plagued for years by banditry, cattle rustling, and lawlessness. His death has ignited national outrage and put renewed pressure on the Interior Ministry to deliver on its mandate to protect Kenyan lives.
✝️ A Man of God Gunned Down
The murder of Father Bett on May 22, 2025, came as a devastating blow to the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Eldoret, and the wider Elgeyo Marakwet community. He was known as a peace ambassador, often using his sermons to unite warring communities and call for reconciliation.
President William Ruto mourned the killing, saying:
“Fr. Allois was a tireless promoter of peace and a true faith leader… We will hunt down his killers as we commit to restore peace in the Kerio Valley.”
Murkomen’s Leadership in the Spotlight
This tragedy has reignited scrutiny on Kipchumba Murkomen, who was once one of the loudest voices against insecurity before becoming a Cabinet Secretary. In May 2022, Murkomen had publicly condemned the killing of three children in the same region, demanding action from then-President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“If this doesn’t prick the conscience of President Uhuru Kenyatta then nothing will.” – Kipchumba Murkomen, 2022
Now, citizens and leaders are echoing those very words—but directed at him.
🗣️ Senator Cherargei Calls for Resignation
Among the most vocal critics is Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who slammed Murkomen’s handling of the Ministry of Interior:
“Transferring incompetence to the Ministry of Interior is dangerous because it leads to loss of life. When roads stall, they can be fixed. This minister must be called out. Murkomen must and should resign.
