This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Published on September 11, 2019, a tragic incident occurred at Kwa Maasai village in Kwale County, Kenya, where an elderly woman was killed and four of her family members were injured.
The attack, allegedly carried out by a gang armed with crude weapons, was sparked by claims that the woman, identified as Nyamvula Nyawa, was practicing witchcraft and casting spells on residents.
Lunga Lunga Sub County Criminal Investigations Officer Joseph Biwot stated that the gang broke into the woman's home in the early hours of Tuesday morning, claiming she was a witch.
The deceased's husband and three sons sustained injuries during the surprise attack, and the body was later moved to the Kwale county mortuary.
The injured family members were taken to Msambweni hospital for treatment, where they are receiving medical attention.
Officer Biwot emphasized that the police have launched an investigation into the incident and have cautioned residents against killing suspected witches, deploring the habit as outdated, primitive, and illegal.
He warned that those perpetuating this habit, which has become commonplace in the area, will face the wrath of the law.