Two more arrested over killing of suspected 'witches'

Police in Kisii have arrested two more suspects in connection with the killing of four elderly women on suspicion of practicing witchcraft.

This brings to nine the number of suspects who have been arrested in connection with the killings on October 17 in Marani subcounty.

Kisii County Criminal Investigations Officer Beatrice Kabaillah confirmed the arrest of the two suspects. She said the two will be charged on Friday.

“So far we have nine suspects in custody. It’s is not over until the arrest of all those implicated in the heinous killings. I want to assure the public that all the suspects will be brought to book,” she said.

The arrests came as the court denied the seven suspects who had earlier been charged with the lynching of the elderly women bond.

Justice Hellen Ougo agreed with the prosecution and families of the deceased who were represented by lawyers hired by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights that the suspects should not be released on bond.

She said the prosecution and victims’ families had raised enough grounds to deny the seven bail, adding that the community is yet to come to terms with the shocking killings of the four women.

The suspects namely Brian Nyakundi, Peter Angwenyi, Chrispin Ogeto, Justine Morara, Ronald Onyonka, Amos Nyakundi, and a 17-year-old who was allegedly abducted by the suspected witches will now remain in custody until the case is heard and determined unless they appeal the High Court decision.

The case will be heard on March 1 and 2 next year. Justice Ougo said she will expeditiously hear the case.

They are accused of killing Sindege Mayaka, Rael Okware, Agnes Moraa and Jemimah Mironga.

The killings caused an uproar, forcing Kisii Governor James Ongwae to form a task force to probe the extrajudicial killing of elderly women. The chairperson of the task force, Edna Kangwana, said they will release their report before the end of the year.

“We took a break due to logistical issues but we are in the final leg of hearings. We are currently receiving submissions and we should make our findings public before the end of the year,” she told the Star on phone.

Last week, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights through lawyer John Khaminwa raised concerns over the safety of the relatives of the four women saying some suspects were yet to be arrested.

Edited by CM