The Catholic Church has officially shut down its missionary operations in Kerio Valley, including the Chesongoch Mission Hospital, citing escalating insecurity in the region.
The hospital, staffed by over 100 personnel, has long served as the primary healthcare facility for thousands of residents in the area. Its closure marks a significant blow to healthcare access in the region.
In an official statement issued by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters, the Church announced the indefinite suspension of its services following increasing unrest and the recent killing of Father Allois Bett by suspected bandits.
“There has been high tension of insecurity causing mental, emotional, and psychological trauma to our sisters,” the statement read.
The Sisters noted that the situation has made it difficult to maintain operations, with many staff members fleeing the area out of fear.
“We have therefore arrived at the decision, with immediate effect, to close our mission stations indefinitely until the area is safe for service,” said the statement signed by Sister Rosa Pascal, head of the mission.
