This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
On November 7, 2019, a Kapenguria high court sentenced three middle-aged men, Richard Rimoi, Benson Muketiang, and Wilson Lemereng, to 25 years in prison each for murdering a 72-year-old man, Ringetiang Tomeluk, over witchcraft allegations.
The incident occurred on December 28, 2017, at Chepkuikui village within Pokot Central sub-county. The accused trio denied committing the offence, but the prosecution presented six witnesses in support of its case.
According to Samson Ringetiang, a witness, the deceased was beaten and dragged along the ground during a meeting convened to address witchcraft allegations. He identified Benson Muketiang as the one who lit the match that set the deceased ablaze after petrol had been sprinkled on him.
Dr. Jotham Mukhola, medical superintendent at Kapenguria county hospital, testified that the deceased had multiple bruises and 60% burns, which led to acute bleeding and death.
Justice Ruth Sitati, in her ruling, stated that the evidence was sufficient to tie the trio to the murder, saying, “From all the foregoing, I am satisfied that the prosecution beyond proved that charge of murder against each of the three accused persons beyond reasonable doubt. In the circumstances I sentence each accused person to 25 years imprisonment.”
