Rachong’ village residents in West Kabuoch location within Ndhiwa sub-county torched six houses belonging to Gabriel Osaso a 79-year-old man whom they accused of practicing witchcraft. The mob claimed Gabriel Osaso was behind the death of a Veronica Achieng’ Standard one pupil at Ombo Primary School who was mauled by a crocodile in River Kuja. They burnt down his grass-thatched houses, his maize and sugarcane plantations.
He was reportedly heard saying that the young girl’s body will not be found soon after she was attacked. This led the residents to believe he was to blame for the misfortune that befell the young girl. They say that he might have anticipated the pupil’s death.
Joseph Ogur, the area chief said the police had to rescue Osaso from the irate mob that was baying for his blood. His son was also injured and is currently admitted to Ndhiwa Sub-county Hospital. Ndhiwa OCPD Dishon Chadaka said his officers were investigating the matter and the search for the pupil’s body was ongoing. The search team is composed of officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Police and the public.
Witchcraft cases have been on rise after another one was rescued by police who was accused of practicing witchcraft in Malava, Kakamega County. The residents claimed that underwear, pictures, certificates and bank slips belonging to some villagers were found in the man’s house. The suspect had earlier quarreled with his brothers before residents broke into his house and set it on fire. Area OCPD, Peter Mwanzo condemned the incident and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.