Lives of 35 on ‘witches’ hit list at stake

By JOSEPH MASHA   

Kilifi, Kenya: At least 35 elderly persons accused of witchcraft in Kibarani ward, Kilifi County have been forced into hiding after word went round that they were to be killed.

A list containing the names of the 35 was pinned up in strategic areas including a chief’s office, warning them to prepare for their deaths.

The men and women opted to flee for their safety after a number of their fellow aged people were murdered over unproven allegations that they were involved in withcraft.

Police officers in Kilifi are said to have launched investigations after the lists appeared. 

The security officers were on Wednesday forced to hold a meeting to warn the public against commiting the crime.

Security meeting

Kilifi district OCPD Justin Nyaga, his AP counterpart Eric Kipkimei, Bahari Sub County Commissioner Josephine Njenga and chiefs held the meeting at Mdzongoloni Secondary School where they issued the warning to those behind the list.

The meeting, which was also attended by Kibarani Ward Rep Getrude Mbeyu, discussed the worrying trend of killing elderly people suspected to be witches.

Such killings said to be linked to pressure for land are no common in the area. Elderly people are vulnerable as even their family members conspire to label them witches and have them killed so as to acquire their land.

Mr Nyaga said the matter is serious and the police are searching for the people behind the list.

He said it is a criminal offence for anyone to brand another a witch and legal action would be taken against those behind the list.

“The law bars anyone from accusing another of being a witch,” he said adding that those who have the habit of mudslinging others risk jail terms. 

Mbeyu cautioned the villagers against targeting the elderly on claims that they practice witchcraft and instead concentrate on development.

Outdated cultures

“Sticking to outdated cultures where people in the Mijikenda community associate advanced age with witchcraft is illegal. I ask the residents to abandon the trend and instead, engage in development programmes,” said Mbeyu.

He urged the community to volunteer the names of those behind the list. Njenga said investigations had revealed such killings in the county are planned by close family members, with children plotting the murders of their aged parents so that they can inherit the properties, including land.

She said the police will do all they can to protect the elderly in the community.