Kilifi elders seek protection against witch hunters

By Jospeh Masha

More than 40 village elders in Kilifi have sought protection from youth who kill old people on claims they are witches.

The elders, under the Hospital Location Elders Self-Help Group, said some youths claim the elderly people ‘eliminate’ strong people, using sorcery.

Speaking during a get-together party in Kilifi town, yesterday, their chairman Mr Stephen Mkare said people aged 50 years and above are living in ‘great fear’.

"Elderly people are not enjoying their retirement because they fear being targeted for killing any time," he said.

"For the elderly people to live in peace, we are appealing to the Government and Administration Police in Kilifi to come to the rescue of the aged people in the district," he added.

In Kilifi and neighbouring areas, old people are endangered because they are deemed to be associated with witchcraft. The Standard first highlighted the plight of the elderly in Kilifi and its environs last year.

The matter has raised concern among members of the Miji Kenda, because no week ends without reports of a person being killed over claims of witchcraft.