The Missionary Benedictine Sisters has announced closure of its Kerio Valley Mission.
In a statement on Saturday, May 31, 2025, the mission said the decision follows the recent brutal murder of Father Alloysi Bett.
“Following the recent happenings in Kerio Valley where Fr. Alloysi Bett, Parish priest of St. Mathias Mulumba, TOT parish. Unrest has continued being experienced in the area,” read part of a statement signed by Missionary Benedictine Sisters Prioress Sr. Rosa Pascal.
Sir Pascal noted that murder of Fr Bett has led to unrest in the volatile region which has affected missionary work.
Some of the effects caused by the incident, Missionary Benedictine Sisters said, include mental, emotional and psychological trauma to Catholic church sisters as well as inability to run essential services due to lack of staff who are fleeing the area.
“We have therefore arrived at a decision with immediate effect, (30/05/2025) to close our mission stations indefinitely until the area is safe for service,” the mission said.
Why Missionary Benedictine Sisters has stopped it’s work in Kerio Valley
According to the Missionary Benedictine Sisters, their move to halt of missionary work in the Kerio Valley is meant to among others ensure the safety of its sisters working in the region, employees and those who visit the mission for different services.
It is also aimed at pressing the government for a lasting solution to peace in the area including dis-arming the civilians.
In addition, the decision aims to remind the people of Kerio Valley the relevance of their presence to the community.
“If the community does not consider our mission as essential to them then there is no need of our presence,” the statement noted.
