Son tells court how mum was killed on suspicion of being witch

The trial of nine men accused of killing five elderly women in Kisii county on suspicion of being witches begun on Tuesday.

The first to take the witness stand is a son of one of the elderly women, who narrated how his mother was kidnapped and later killed by a marauding gang.

The nine suspects including a KCSE exam candidate pleaded to the murder offences afresh after the cases was consolidated by Justice Rose Ougo.

They all pleaded not guilty when the charges were read at the Kisii Main Prison.

Those facing the charges of killing the women on October 17, 2021, are Amos Nyakundi, Peter Gwaro, Brian Nyakundi, Ronald Ombati, Justine Morara, Hesborn Ong’ondi, Nelson Tumbo and Justine Akiya.

They are accused of killing Jemima Mironga ,63;  Agnes Ototo ,53; Sigara Onkware, 62 and Sindege Mayaka, 85.

The suspects are being held at the Kisii Main Prison while the minor is  at Manga Children’s Remand Home.   

They are represented by Shaffin Kaba, Abel Asuma, Anyona Mbunde while the prosecution is led by Hillary Kaino.

Senior counsel John Khaminwa appears for the victims’ family while Haron Ndubu represents the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Rosemary Kirui is an observer for the KNCHR.

On Tuesday, the first witness Christopher Bosire narrated to the court how an irate mob armed with weapons raided their home, looted property, injured him and abducted his mother.

“I was at home with my mother when a huge mob chanting war songs entered our home and looted everything. When I raised the alarm, one of them who is Nyakundi, hit me with a panga on the back of the head and I fell down. I became unconscious and later learnt that they had abducted my mother,” he told the court.

“I was rushed to hospital where I was treated and discharged. I later learnt that they had killed her,”  Bosire said.

Kaino indicated that the prosecution will call 17 witnesses.

He however said seven of the witnesses are in the process of being admitted to the Witness Protection Programme which will delay their appearance in court.

“There were delays in referring them there but we hope to have them give their evidence in two weeks time,” Kaino said.

Justice Ougo  said she wants to expeditiously hear and conclude the case.

-Edited by SKanyara