Nandi County-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed a tougher response to banditry in Kerio Valley following the murder of a well-known priest and peace advocate.
Standing solemnly in Nandi County during a condolence visit to the family of Fr. Alloys Cheruiyot Bett, Murkomen did not mince his words.
“This was not just another killing,” he told reporters. “Fr. Bett’s murder was a targeted act of terror. It was meant to sow fear and disrupt the progress we’ve made. But we will not retreat.”
Fr. Bett was gunned down on Tuesday evening in Kabartile village, Baringo County a region long plagued by cattle theft and armed violence. The killing has sent shockwaves through the local community and across the country. Police have since arrested six suspects. Early investigations suggest the motive may not be linked directly to cattle rustling, though questions remain.
Murkomen suggested the attack was part of a broader shift in tactics. As government crackdowns begin to squeeze traditional bandit operations, he warned, criminal groups are increasingly turning their violence on civilians.
“We’ve seen a 50 percent drop in banditry incidents over the past five months,” Murkomen said. “But now, peace ambassadors like Fr. Bett are being targeted. It’s a cruel retaliation.”
Fr. Bett, widely respected for his calm presence and bridge-building across warring communities, is the latest in a growing list of victims. Others include Bonface Ongote and Simon Njaga, also known for their work in conflict resolution.
Murkomen praised the late priest’s work, describing him as “a shepherd not only of faith but of peace.” He urged local leaders and residents alike to stand firm.
“The only way forward is unity,” he said. “We need communities to speak up, to share information with security officers. This fight cannot be won by the government alone.”
Local leaders have echoed that call. Elijah Kibet, a community elder from Elgeyo Marakwet, described the fear spreading through the region.
“People are scared. When peace workers are being shot, you know something’s very wrong,” Kibet said. “But we also know this Fr. Bett would want us to keep going.”
While police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, analysts say the region’s long-standing struggles land disputes, youth unemployment, and weak local governance must also be addressed if lasting peace is to be achieved.
Security patrols have since been stepped up in Kabartile and surrounding areas. But for many in Kerio Valley, the scars run deep.
“We’ve lost a man who truly believed in peace,” said Sister Margaret Chebet, who worked alongside Fr. Bett in community outreach programmes. “His voice will be missed, but his message must live on.”
As the sun set over the hills of Nandi, Murkomen placed a hand on the shoulder of Fr. Bett’s grieving brother.
“We owe him justice,” he said quietly. “And we will not rest until we get it.”
