Twist as Two Suspected Witnesses in Priest Alloys Bett Murder Found Dead in Soin
The ongoing investigation into the brutal killing of Catholic priest Father Alloys Bett in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet, has taken a disturbing twist following the discovery of two bodies believed to be linked to the case. The men, Simeon Yego Chacha and Collins Kipyatich—both residents of Elgeyo Marakwet—were found dead and abandoned by the roadside in Soin, Nakuru County, more than 200 kilometres from where they were last seen on Friday, May 30.
The two men had been reported missing under suspicious circumstances, with their families alleging abduction in broad daylight. According to accounts by relatives, Collins Kipyatich was seized from his hospital bed at Tot Health Centre during a routine malaria check-up, when unknown individuals in an ambulance arrived and forcefully took him away.
Hours later, Simeon Yego, a local taxi driver, was reportedly intercepted by the same ambulance while on his way to Tot Health Centre for a final passenger drop-off. Eyewitnesses stated that armed men emerged from the vehicle, dragged Simeon out of his car, and forced him into the ambulance, while taking control of his Probox vehicle.
A female passenger who was in Simeon’s vehicle at the time recounted being forced out at the border of Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, after which a military armoured vehicle transported her to Tot Health Centre. During the ordeal, she said she was interrogated by the driver—allegedly a police officer—about any knowledge of Father Bett’s murder. She denied any involvement or information.
Speaking at the Nakuru Annex mortuary, Simeon’s brother, Wilfred Yego, described the state in which the bodies were found as evidence of severe torture. “They were mutilated. What happened to them was inhumane,” he said, adding that the family had reported their disappearances immediately at Tot Police Station.
Despite the families’ suspicions that the deaths are tied to the investigation into Father Bett’s murder, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan dismissed these claims, maintaining that official investigations remain ongoing and no conclusions should be drawn prematurely.
Simeon, who had only recently joined the transport sector after losing livestock to banditry, was described as a peace advocate, businessman, and a respected church elder. His death, along with that of Collins, has sparked public concern over the methods and progress of the ongoing investigation.
As authorities continue their probe into the killing of Father Bett, the deaths of Simeon and Collins have deepened the mystery and raised urgent questions about the integrity of the investigative process. With both families demanding justice, all eyes are now on law enforcement agencies to provide answers and ensure accountability.
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Twist as Two Suspected Witnesses in Priest Alloys Bett Murder Found Dead in Soin