‘We will hunt down his killers’: President Ruto mourns slain Catholic priest Allois Bett

President William Ruto has expressed his condolences following the murder of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, a Catholic priest from St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, who was gunned down by unknown assailants in Kabartile Village, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Taking to social media on Friday, President Ruto described Father Allois as a faith-based leader who inspired a generation.

He promised that his administration would bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book.

"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," Ruto said.

"We will hunt down his killers as we commit to restore peace in the Kerio Valley. Rest In Peace, Father."

The National Police Service (NPS) on Thursday said Father Bett was ambushed and fatally shot in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul Sub-Location.

His attackers reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident, prompting an urgent manhunt by General Service Unit (GSU) officers.

NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said six suspectshave since been arrested in connection with the murder, further clarifying that the killing was not linked to cattle rustling or the rampant banditry that has plagued parts of the North Rift region.