Catholic Bishops of Kenya
The Catholic Bishops of Kenya are now calling for a thorough
probe to establish the circumstances and motives behind the killing of two
Priests, Rev Fr John Maina and Rev Fr Allois Bett.
The Bishops said this will help in ensuring the safety of priests
and that of all citizens, going forward.
“We are greatly saddened by the sudden deaths of two
Catholic priests in quick succession.
“We demand a deep inquiry into these deaths, to reveal the
real circumstances and motives, so as to ensure the security and safety of our
priests and all Kenyans. We look forward to a comprehensive report of these
incidents in the shortest time,” Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic
Bishops (KCCB), Most Rev Maurice Muhatia said.
The Bishops said they are greatly disturbed that both deaths
have come with veiled malicious intent and mystery.
They condemn the deaths of these two priests and the sense
of insecurity and helplessness created by their murders.
Muhatia wondered how security can’t be guaranteed to ministers
serving in remote areas, even as he questioned who is behind the killings.
“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.
“The work carried out by our Catholic priests goes beyond
the service of religion and evangelization. It reaches out to caring for the
marginalized, the forgotten and the sick, to bring them hope that does not
disappoint.”
Fr. John Maina died while undergoing treatment, in what
appears to be a case of possible kidnapping and poisoning.
He succumbed at St Joseph Hospital in Gilgil, where he was
rushed by a Good Samaritan who found him on the roadside along the
Nakuru-Gilgil Highway with some head injuries.
Fr Allois Bett, on the other hand, died violently after he was
shot down by unidentified persons, as he was coming from ministering to the
very poor.
Bett, who served at St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, was
ambushed and shot dead as he travelled back to Tot after presiding over a
Jumuiya mass in Kakbiken village.
The attack took place in Kabartile Village, just a kilometre
from a police station.
The Bishops said they are praying for justice and the families
of the slain priests.
“Let us also pray for the families of our dear priests
so that they can find consolation and peace. We know how much pain they are
going through. We join the faithful of our entire country in praying for the
souls of these priests.
“We as the Catholic Bishops of Kenya under the KCCB send our
sincere condolences to the Bishop and Diocese of Nyahururu on the death of Rev Fr James Maina, and to the Bishop and Diocese of Eldoret for the death of Rev Fr Allois Bett.”