Macabre killing of priest: Police rule out banditry, cattle rustling

Police have ruled out banditry and cattle rustling as a motive behind the shooting of Catholic Priest Fr Allois Bett of St Mathias Mulumba Tot Parish in Karbatile village, West Pokot on Wednesday.

Fr Bett was accosted and shot dead by armed assailants, police said in a statement released on Friday by Director of Corporate Communication Mr Muchiri Nyaga.

Mr Nyaga said six(6) suspects have been arrested in connection to the incident.

"General Service Unit officers responded swiftly and established that Fr Bett was shot by armed assailants. A manhunt was launched and six suspects have since been arrested. Preliminary investigations indicate the incident is not in any way related to cattle rustling or banditry," said Mr Nyaga the Police Spokesperson.

He said the NPS condemned the act and promised thorough investigations to apprehend all those involved in the crime.

He also appealed to local communities in the area to remain calm and assist the police with information concerning the incident or report it to the nearest police station.

“Anyone who has any information that may assist us with the investigation to report at any nearby police station or call free numbers 999,911,112 and Fichua kwa DCIO 0800722203,” he said, adding that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

The NPS also sent a message of condolence to Fr Bett's family, saying his death was a big blow not only to his family and relatives, but to all people who he served in various capacities.

"On my behalf and that of National Police Service, we express our deepest condolences to Fr Bett's family and we pray that they get strength during this difficult moment," he said.

This is the second murder incident of a Catholic priest this month (May) alone, coming barely a week after the murder of Fr Maina of Nyahururu Parish.