AN elderly couple from Mrima Wa Ndege village in Ganze subcounty is now living in fear of being killed after visiting a traditional shrine to cleanse themselves against witchcraft
allegations.
Their fear came about after a traditional herbalist, who
administered
an oath to them, confirmed that they are indeed practising witchcraft.
The couple is now under pressure from the residents to pay a fine of Sh50,000, a bull and three cows, known as Kore in the Giriama customary law.
Speaking at Mrima Wa Ndege on Monday, Mwanzala Mangi, 75, and his wife Pola Kirao, 71, said this punishment is a heavy load on them.
They said they are fearing that they will be killed if they don’t pay the fine.
“We don’t know what to do. We decided to go for the traditional oath because the locals branded us as witches and blamed us for derailed development in this area. Unfortunately, we were found guilty by the oath and we have the burden to pay the amount, which is a daunting task,” Mangi said.
Area chief Samson Chai said the couple made a grave mistake of going to the shrine.
He said the move is against the current campaigns of ending the killings of those accused of witchcraft.
