The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has demanded urgent investigations into the sudden and tragic deaths of two Catholic priests, incidents that have sent shockwaves through the Church and raised serious concerns about clergy safety in the country.
In a strongly worded statement, the bishops, led by Most Reverend Maurice Muhatia Makumba, said the Church is deeply disturbed by the back-to-back loss of Reverend John Maina and Reverend Alois Cheruiyot Bett. They described the deaths as devastating, not only to the Catholic faithful but also to the nation at large.
“We demand a deep inquiry into these deaths, to reveal the real circumstances and motives, to ensure the security and safety of our priests and all Kenyans going forward,” said Reverend Makumba.
Suspected Poisoning and Bandit Attack
Father John Maina died while receiving treatment, with early indications pointing to possible poisoning after a suspected kidnapping incident. In a separate and equally harrowing case, Father Alois Bett was shot and killed by bandits in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet, on May 22 while on a pastoral mission.
Makumba described both incidents as deliberate acts of violence.
“This is murder most foul and cries out to God against its perpetrators,” he declared. “How can it be that security can’t be guaranteed for those serving in these remote areas? Who is really behind such a meticulously executed murder?”
Bishops Slam Normalization of Murder
The KCCB condemned what it sees as the growing normalization of murder and violence in Kenya. Reverend Makumba accused some actors of treating death lightly and using it as a tool for political manipulation.
“We as Catholic Bishops are totally dismayed by how cheap life has become, where murders and deaths are taken lightly, and used carelessly for political expediency,” he said.
He stressed that Catholic priests are not only religious leaders but also community servants. Their mission reaches far beyond the pulpit and into slums, remote villages, and hospitals where they offer hope, care, and dignity to the poor and forgotten.
“The work carried out by our Catholic priests goes beyond the service of religion and evangelisation. It reaches out to caring for the marginalised, the forgotten and the sick, to bring them hope that does not disappoint,” Makumba said.
Call for Justice and Forgiveness
While mourning with the families of the fallen priests, the bishops reiterated their faith in justice but also called for mercy and reconciliation.
“We, on our part we pray not just for justice, but that mercy should prevail in our hearts. May God turn the hearts of those who have carried out these crimes to conversion. May God grant us the grace to forgive those who have taken the lives of our brothers.”
Makumba said the bishops expect a full and transparent report on both deaths in the shortest time possible and warned that failure to act would only deepen the sense of insecurity among religious leaders and ordinary citizens alike.
“We look forward to a comprehensive report of these incidents in the shortest time,” he said.
