- Elderly residents in Kilifi are living in fear as accusations of witchcraft have led to the deaths of over 138 elders since 2020, marking a sharp spike in executions
- Accusers, armed with superstitions and baseless myths, have turned peaceful communities into battlegrounds
- In a BBC investigation, survivors recounted harrowing tales of brutal attacks, depicting a nightmare of isolation and relentless persecution
Elderly residents in Kilifi have shared harrowing tales of surviving attacks by younger community members, who are executing them over accusations of witchcraft.
In a BBC investigation, many elderly victims recounted their horrific experiences and expressed ongoing fear for their safety.
The investigation revealed that more than 20 elderly individuals have recently been hacked to death after being accused of witchcraft by young people.
These accusations often lead to severe penalties, including death.
Lack of concrete evidence
However, the young accusers often lack concrete evidence to prove witchcraft.
Residents reported that myths such as having grey hair or a coconut falling on your house at night are used to identify witches.
As a result, many innocent elderly people have lost their lives unjustly.
The elderly believe the increase in accusations is partly due to their sons using these claims to take over their land, as once accused, the chance of survival is minimal.
One victim, 74-year-old Tambala Jefwa, couldn’t recount his ordeal due to the severe injuries he sustained from surviving three execution attempts.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
His wife, Miss Sidi, shared his story, recalling how his eye was gouged out in the first attempt and his genitals cut in the second.
Must Read:
1: Embu High Court Halts Muguka Ban in Mombasa, Kilifi
2: Kilifi Man Dies After Choking On Own Saliva During Intimacy
Through tears, she remembered the doctors’ words that he might not survive, even after surgery.
She pointed out the scars on his body from being attacked with knives, piercing his chest and head.
The investigation further details the plight of more elderly individuals whose twilight years have turned into a nightmare due to ongoing executions.
Many recalled how their lives have become difficult as the entire community shuns them once accusations are made.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
The human rights organization Haki Yetu reports that between 2020 and mid-2022, over 138 elderly people were murdered in Kilifi County due to witchcraft suspicions.
Ganze lost 34 elders, while Malindi recorded the highest number with 45 deaths.
