Rescuers say new strategy may save Kilifi elders from lynch gangs

Kaya Godoma Rescue Center in Mrima wa Ndege location, Ganze, Chairperson Emmanuel Katana on October 28, 2010 at the Rescue Centre. [File]

Change of tack by Kaya Godoma Centre, a safe haven for elderly people sought over witchcraft claims, has led to reduction in lynching cases.

The centre confronts families of those killed, assistant chiefs and chiefs, to reveal culprits.

This, the centre said, had led to a drop in such cases in Mrima wa Ndege area, where the lynch gang operates.

Chairman Emmanuel Katana and secretary Josphat Nguma said the centre, which received a suspected witch every month, could now go for six months without registering a single case. 

Katana said they would extend the campaign against the killings to other parts of Kilifi and Kwale counties once they got more resources.

 “We have made progress in addressing the senseless killing of the elderly accused of practising witchcraft,” he said, adding that police had offered them "unwavering" support.