Kerio Valley: In response to an alarming surge of violence and the recent killings of two Catholic priests, the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart have announced the indefinite closure of their facilities and mission stations in Kenya’s volatile Kerio Valley.
The decision was made public via the Sisters' official social media platforms, stating that the shutdown is "effective immediately" and will remain in place “until safety and stability return to the region.”
According to the Vatican-affiliated Fides News Agency, the announcement was formally signed by Sister Rosa Pascal, OSB, Prioress of the order. She cited the murder of Fr. Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett and the broader pattern of unrest in the valley as key reasons for the withdrawal. “The continuing violence has caused deep mental, emotional, and psychological trauma to our sisters,” Sr. Pascal wrote.
The violence has also crippled the Sisters’ ability to continue vital humanitarian and pastoral services. “We simply do not have the personnel to continue our work,” Sr. Pascal noted, adding that staff and religious workers have been forced to flee due to safety concerns.
Among the affected institutions is the Chesongoch Mission Hospital, a key healthcare facility in the region, which is also being shuttered as part of the closure.
“This difficult decision has been made in the interest of safeguarding our sisters, our employees, and all who rely on our mission,” Sr. Pascal emphasized. “We hope this action will prompt the government to find a permanent solution to the violence, including disarming civilians and restoring peace.”
The closures follow the deaths of two Catholic priests within a span of just seven days. Fr. John Ndegwa Maina of St. Louis Parish in Igwamiti succumbed to suspected poisoning on May 15 after being discovered in critical condition by the roadside. A week later, on May 22, Fr. Alloyce Bett was gunned down by bandits in Kerio Valley—an attack that sent shockwaves through the local religious community.
In a statement, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of Kisumu and President of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, demanded a thorough investigation into both killings. “We urge the authorities to uncover the true circumstances and motives behind these deaths and to act decisively to protect our priests and all Kenyans,” he said.
With the Benedictine Sisters’ departure, a significant spiritual and humanitarian presence in the region is now suspended, casting a spotlight on the urgent need for security reforms in Kerio Valley.