Kilifi man stoned to death over claims he cast spell on grandson

Residents accused the victim of casting a spell on his 12-year-old grandson [Photo: Courtesy]

A 62-year-old man was yesterday stoned to death after he was accused of practising witchcraft in Kararacha village, Kilifi North.

Residents accused the victim of casting a spell on his 12-year-old grandson, a primary school pupil, who went on to hang himself.

Some accounts indicated that the boy took his life after losing money in a bet.

Although many residents in the region believe in witchcraft, police often attribute such killings to disputes over land.

The police said there had been deliberate attempts to disinherit the elderly.

County police boss Fredrick Ochieng' said the man, Kazungu Kombe, was killed by a mob after he had allegedly returned from an oathing mission in Kinango, Kwale County, where he reportedly confessed that he practised witchcraft.

"The victim was subjected to mob justice by irate villagers who accused him of being part of a group that had reportedly taken an oath in Kinango," said Mr Ochieng'.

He said Mr Kombe's body had multiple injuries, some of which were on the head and were caused by blunt objects.

Ochieng' also said two of the people Kombe was accused of attending the oathing ceremony with had been arrested.

Boy's father

Chumani Assistant Chief Lawrence Maitha said the boy's father had attributed his death to Kombe.

"He told me about his father's alleged involvement in witchcraft and I told him to report the matter to the police if he had evidence that his father was involved in witchcraft," Mr Maitha said.

"However, they did not tell me they had tried to force Kombe to take an oath before confessing to being involved in witchcraft. I was later informed that a group of boda boda operators were planning a raid on his homestead. I told the family to take him to a police station for protection."

Maitha added that he was told that before he was killed, Kombe had told his killers that he worked in a team that included a female relative.

The woman is said to have sold land so she could attend the oathing ceremony.

Ochien’g warned residents conducting illegal oaths of arrest and prosecution.

"We ask the public to report to the police any illegal oaths in their areas. Those found taking part will be arrested and charged in court."

Last week in Ganze, a 35-year-old man from Shangweni village was charged a fine of Sh31, 000 after it turned out that the couple he had accused of bewitching him were innocent.