A new twist has emerged into the murder investigation of Catholic Priest Alloys Cheruyiot Bett who was allegedly shot by bandits on suspicion of complicity or spying for the government.
A close confidant of the priest has revealed that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations could have called on the priest on two occasions.
Richard Ruto, a Catechist at St. Matthias Mulumba Catholic Church in Tot, Kerio Valley revealed that plainclothes officers believed to be from DCI visited Father Bett at his residence both on 16th and 17th of May. The objective of their call was not disclosed.
“They asked about the priest’s whereabouts but never explained why they wanted to see him,” Ruto said, adding “After the second visit, rumors began circulating that he was spying for the government, and that marked him as a target.”
The Tot region of Kerio Valley is known for its notoriety in cattle rustling and bandits are known to take revenge on government collaborators.
This could provide a simple reason why the priest was gunned down. But now speculation is rife on what was the specific purpose of the visit by officers alleged to be from the DCI.
Father Bett was gunned down on May 22 while on his way back home from the Parish, heightening tensions in the already volatile Kerio Valley.
Among those who sent their condolences is president Dr William Samoei Ruto who described the late priest as a tireless promoter of peace.
“Our condolences to the church, the faithful of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, Diocese of Eldoret, for the loss of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett.
“Fr. Allois was a tireless promoter of peace and a true faith leader whose sermons were genuine, clear and targeted.
“May God grant the family and friends strength to bear this painful death.
“We will hunt down his killers as we commit to restore peace in the Kerio Valley.
Rest In Peace, Father.”
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