Alois Bett: Eldoret Residents Hold Emotional Candle-Lighting Ceremony for Slain Catholic Priest
- Father Alois Cheruiyot Bett, a Catholic priest, was killed by armed men in Elgeyo Marakwet county on May 22
- Hundreds of Eldoret residents and Catholic faithful held a candlelighting ceremony and peace walk in his honour on the evening of June 1
- Social media users shared emotional tributes, messages of condolence, and calls for justice while reacting to images of the ceremony
Catholic faithful and residents of Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county, are still mourning the tragic death of Father Alois Cheruiyot Bett.
Source: Facebook
Father Alois, who served at St Mulumba Church in Tot, Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet county, was killed by armed men while returning from a church service on May 22.
On the evening of Sunday, June 1, Catholic faithful and friends gathered in Eldoret city for a peace walk and night vigil in honour of the slain priest.
Eldoret residents hold candlelighting ceremony for Alois Bett
In images shared online, the faithful carried a banner bearing two images of Father Alois conducting Mass, along with his dates of birth and death.
Hundreds of people turned up for the peace walk, as shown in the photos, before gathering at a central location to light candles in his memory.
They arranged the candles neatly to spell out the abbreviation RIP (Rest In Peace), and also shaped a heart symbol as a tribute to Father Alois, showing their enduring love for him.
In the darkness, they lifted the glowing candles, lighting up the streets in a moving display of unity and mourning.
Many who shared the images on social media posted words of condolence and encouragement to the family and friends of the slain priest, while others offered heartfelt tributes.
Source: Facebook
Netizens mourn Father Alois Cheruiyot Bett
Some online mourners questioned the slow pace of justice, comparing it to faster investigations in other high-profile cases..
Frankline Wasike:
“Together we mourn our dear RV Father and comfort the family. RIP.”
Stella Francis:
“May the soul of Father Alois rest in peace. May his killers never know peace—may they be haunted day and night. It was very wrong. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”
Kelvin Kipleting:
“We extend our condolences to the family, relatives, and friends for the loss of Father Bett. He was a friend to many young people, a brother to everyone, a priest for all denominations. Poleni sana to the family for losing such a kind-hearted man who loved everyone.”
Tamara:
“May God grant him eternal rest. We continue to pray for all our priests and religious men and women wherever they serve, especially in areas where peace is lacking.”
Duncan Baraza:
“Imagine, it took less than a week to arrest the killer of an MP, but for our priest and ordinary Kenyans, it remains a mystery. RIP, Father.”
Winifred Maluki:
“May this walk touch the hearts of those who killed him, lead them to confess their sins, and return to Jesus. I’m sure that if Father had survived, he would have forgiven them. Even in his grave, he has forgiven them. Jesus, have mercy and protect your priests. RIP, Father Bett.”
What did Alois Bett’s family say after he was killed?
In related news, TUKO.co.ke reported that Eunice Bender, the mother of the deceased priest, called on Kenyans to pray for her family following the painful loss of her son.
She stated that Alois was her support system and the sole breadwinner of the family, as she relied on him for all her needs.
Eunice explained that her son had educated several children in his village and wondered how they would cope without him.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
