- The Catholic Church has suspended all its missionary services in Kerio Valley due to rising insecurity.
- Chesongoch Mission Hospital, the area’s main health facility, has also been closed.
- The decision follows the killing of a priest and continued threats to staff and residents.
- Missionary Sisters say the situation has created fear and emotional distress.
- Operations will only resume when peace is restored in the region.
The Catholic Church has pulled out of Kerio Valley, ending its long-running missionary activities, including the Chesongoch Mission Hospital, which has served as a lifeline for many residents. With more than 100 staff members, the hospital was the main health centre for the surrounding communities. Its closure now leaves thousands without direct access to medical care.
The decision comes in the wake of intensifying insecurity in the region. The tipping point was the tragic killing of Father Allois Bett, a missionary priest, who was reportedly attacked by suspected bandits. The Church has cited growing violence as the key reason for halting services.
Staff Flee as Church Declares Area Unsafe
In a detailed statement, the Missionary Benedictine Sisters said the rising tension in the area has created emotional and mental stress among their team. Some staff members have already left due to fear for their safety.
“There has been high tension of insecurity causing mental, emotional, and psychological trauma to our sisters,” the statement explained.
The announcement, signed by Sister Rosa Pascal, confirmed that all mission activities will stop immediately and remain on hold until security conditions improve.
“We have therefore arrived at the decision, with immediate effect, to close our mission stations indefinitely until the area is safe for service,” read the statement.
This shutdown not only affects religious activities but also cuts off essential services like healthcare, making it a major setback for the people of Kerio Valley.
