Kisii Governor James Ongwae has set up a taskforce to help unravel the issues surrounding witchcraft murders in the county.
The taskforce, through the County Department of Culture, has express terms of reference to find out and determine the extent of deep-seated superstitions that have seen the elderly murdered on suspicion of witchcraft.
The taskforce comprises county staff and key stakeholders from members of the public and human rights organisations. It will carry out investigations and report back to the governor's office in three weeks’ time for further action.
Speaking on the murder of the four women - Sindege Mayaka (83), Jemima Mironga (60), Sigara Onkware (62) and Agnes Ototo (57) - Mr Ongwae termed their killing as senseless.
"I condemn the incident in the strongest terms possible. Indeed, there is no reason whatsoever to lose precious lives due to mob justice on flimsy grounds such as suspicion of witchcraft," said Mr Ongwae.
"We have legal mechanisms to deal with suspects of any nature. The women who died in a shameful manner at the hands of fellow villagers," he noted.
"It is unfortunate that in the 21st century, we are still steeped in mythical beliefs which have since outlived their relevance...We grew up hearing fairy tales of witchcraft but not once in our lifetimes have we actually come across witches," the county boss said.
He noted that if Kisii residents do not rise up to protect their senior citizens, they risk losing them on such flimsy grounds.
"As Gusii community we will end up picking the loathsome witchcraft stereotype in front of the world," he lamented.
Meanwhile, police in Marani on Sunday arrested a student who said he was abducted by the four women, sparking their lynching.
Four men suspected to have lynched four women over witchcraft claims appear at the Kisii Law Courts on October 19, 2021. Amos Nyakundi Ondieki, alias Sonko, Evans Ogeto Okari, and Hesborn Ong’ondi Gichana will now serve 40 years in prison each, while Chrispine Makworo- MOndieki’s son, will be imprisoned for 15 years over the murders.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
