Bishop Says Murder of Kenyan Priest Will Be “a Seed for New Life”

The murder of Kenyan priest Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett has raised significant concerns about security in the Eldoret region amidst poverty and banditry. Bishop Dominic Kimengich calls for reform, interpreting the tragedy as a potential catalyst for change. Schools are closing due to fears of violence, with local teachers urging the government for action. The assassination reflects a troubling pattern of attacks against clergy and necessitates a serious conversation about peace and safety in the area.

The tragic murder of Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett, a young priest from the Diocese of Eldoret, has sent shockwaves through the vulnerable communities in the region. Bett was fatally shot on May 22nd after conducting Mass in a village called Kakbiken, where he was ambushed by assailants. Reports indicate he was hit by two bullets, leading to his immediate death. Locals suspect that bandits, who mistakenly thought he was cooperating with security forces, may have committed this brutal act.

This incident occurred on the same day as the funeral of Fr. John Maina Ndegwa, another clergy member who succumbed to injuries from a previous attack. In response to Bett’s murder, Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret presented an optimistic notion that this tragedy could be “a seed for new life,” stating that every event has a purpose. He insisted that Bett’s sacrifice should serve as a wake-up call, urging local authorities to take matters of security more seriously.

During a requiem held on May 25, the Bishop remarked, “Justice must be done,” calling for a deeper reflection on peace and safety in the Kerio Valley. The lamenting bishop expressed concern that such violence could deter future priests from serving in insecure areas, warning that “chances are no priest wants to go to the region because they don’t feel safe.” The impact of the killing extends beyond the church, impacting local schools and health services.

Following his death, many schools were forced to shut down; local authorities reported that 54 primary and 19 secondary schools closed as fear spread among students and teachers. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) supported these closures. John Cheberi, of KNUT, condemned the killing, pointing out the dangers that arise when non-locals, including teachers, feel threatened in the region.

Cheberi raised an alarming question, saying, “If a priest, a symbol of peace, can be targeted and killed for preaching peace, what will happen to teachers, the majority who come from other regions?” He blamed tribal conflicts as a backdrop to this violence, urging against driving away non-locals who provide essential services.

Police are attempting to calm the fears of residents. Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat stated that security has been heightened to ensure safety, emphasizing that schools should remain operational.

Yet, attacks against priests have escalated in Kenya, with a grim history. Notably, Fr. John Anthony was found dead in 2000 under highly questionable circumstances—his troubles with law enforcement were well-documented in his writings. The tragic trend continued with the deaths of several other priests over the years, often attributed to bandits seeking to silence dissent or steal money.

Fr. Bett’s murder underscores this worrying trend of violence against clergy, raising questions about safety and security in regions plagued by poverty and crime. In the aftermath, there seems to be a pressing need for action to protect both the people and the representatives of the Church who are committed to serving them.

The assassination of Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett has highlighted serious issues of insecurity in the Kerio Valley and beyond. Bishop Kimengich’s remarks underscore a crucial call for justice and an urgent reflection on measures necessary to ensure safety for clergy and community members alike. The ripple effect of this violence is felt in the shuttered schools and fleeing workers, prompting an essential discourse on the need for lasting peace in the region. Without addressing the root causes of such brutality, the possibility of further violence remains a sobering reality.

Original Source: www.catholicworldreport.com