We Will Hunt Down His Killers - Ruto Speaks on Murder of Elgeyo Marakwet Priest

President William Ruto has broken his silence following the brutal killing of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

In an statement on Friday, May 23, Ruto mourned Bett as a promoter of peace and true faith leader whose sermons were clear and targeted.

"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," he said.

Ruto promised to bring Bett's killers to justice, further reaffirming the government's commitment to restoring peace in the Kerio Valley region.

"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," he added.

On Thursday, May 22, the National Police Service (NPS) said six suspects were arrested in connection with Bett's killing.

In a statement, NPS said Bett was reportedly accosted and fatally shot by the armed assailants.

Police say officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) responded to the scene and immediately launched a manhunt.

NPS confirmed that the motive behind the killing is unrelated to cattle rustling or banditry.

"The incident occurred in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul Sub-Location, Kabartile Village. General Service Unit officers responded swiftly and established that Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants. A manhunt was immediately launched, and six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody. 

"Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident is not in any way related to cattle rustling or banditry," the statement read in part.