Catholic church calls for inquiry into the deaths of two priests

Most Rev. Maurice Makumba Muhatia Archbishop of Kisumu, Chairman KCCB on April 8, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The Catholic Church is demanding a full investigation into the deaths of two priests who died under unclear circumstances this month.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) called for investigations to uncover the truth behind the deaths of Rev. Fr. James Maina of the Nyahururu Diocese and Rev. Fr. Alois Bett of the Eldoret Diocese.

“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 KCCB Chairperson, Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba.

The deaths of the two priests, one allegedly poisoned and the other gunned down, according to the bishops, show signs of possible foul play and raise serious questions about the safety of religious leaders serving in vulnerable and remote areas.

Fr. James Maina died while receiving medical treatment in what the bishops describe as a case of possible kidnapping and poisoning. The KCCB noted that the nature of his death suggests murder or foul play.

His death, shrouded in mystery, prompted an investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), with the homicide department now handling the case.

Just days after Fr. Maina’s death, Fr. Alois Bett was ambushed and shot dead on May 22 while on his way to conduct a church service in Kerio Valley.

Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge confirmed that the priest was killed by unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits.

The National Police Service later revealed that the attack occurred in Kabartile Village, Mokoro Location.

“General Service Unit officers responded swiftly and established that Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants. A manhunt was immediately launched, and six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody,” a statement from the National Police Service said.

However, for the Catholic bishops, the incident is more than just another security breach in a troubled region, and they are deeply concerned that Fr. Bett was targeted while serving the poor in an area known for lawlessness.

“Fr. Bett died violently; shot down by unidentified persons, as he was coming from ministering to the very poor. This is murder most foul, and cries to God against its perpetrators. 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?” noted the bishops.

They lamented the rising sense of insecurity and helplessness among clergy and citizens, and the growing perception that human life is being devalued.

“We are greatly disturbed that both deaths have come with veiled malicious intent and mystery. We wish to decry the deaths of these ministers of God and the sense of insecurity and helplessness created by such incidents against the servants of God,” KCCB  noted.