Families of elderly women lynched in Murang’a claim their lives are in danger

By , K24 Digital
On Thu, 2 Mar, 2023 18:01 | 2 mins read
Murang'a women lynched over witchcraft allegations
Portraits of the two elderly women from Kahuro who were lynched last week for allegedly practicing witchcraft. PHOTO/ Wangari Njuguna

Families of the two elderly women from Kahuro, Murang’a county who were lynched last week now claim their lives are in danger.

The family members have decried that their safety is at risk since the culprits who committed the crime are yet to be arrested.

They accused security officers of laxity saying despite giving the names of the suspects no arrest has been made.

Peter Mwangi, husband to Mary Njoki, one of the victims said he was able to recognize a few of the youths who flushed out his wife from the house and he gave out the names to the police.

Mwangi said all he wants is justice for his wife adding that she was killed in a very cruel manner.

“I watched her cry for help but I couldn’t save her and I watched her burn to death,” he lamented.

Patrick Kuria, Mwangi’s son said they are not sure of their father’s safety since the culprits might attack him as well.

"He will be living alone at home and he might suffer the same fate as our mother. We don’t understand why it has taken his long to arrest the suspects because they already have the names” Mwangi stated.

Ann Muthoni, a relative refuted claims that Mary Njoki and Jane Wambui were practising witchcraft. She noted that the two women did not deserve to be killed in such a manner.

Muthoni said not a single person in the area had evidence that the two were witches but these were unfounded claims.

"We want justice for our mothers and those who killed them should be made to face the law," she added.

Officers from Haki Africa who had paid a visit to the families said they will pursue this matter and ensure they get justice for their kin.

Fredrick Odhiambo, an officer from Haki Africa said it's time to start the conversation that seeks to end these heinous acts against the elderly people in society.

Fredrick Odhiambo an officer from Haki Africa at the scene where the two were lynched. PHOTO/ Wangari Njuguna

Hussein Kadhi Chief Executive Officer of Haki Africa expressed his concern over the increased cases of killings of the elderly in various parts of the country.

He said over the past year about 40 cases have been reported with Kisii and Mombasa registering the majority of cases.

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