‘Witch doctors’ out to defraud public seized

Three people claiming to be witch doctors have been arrested after allegedly drugging two young men they had “identified as murder suspects”.

The youths were suspected of killing a clerk at Nyamache town council a few months ago.

Residents were puzzled when the youth started feeding on grass after the witch doctors are said to have performed some magic in Nyamware village, Nyamache District, on Friday. Hundreds of people witnessed the event.

The officers rescued the youths and later launched a search for the witch doctors.

They tracked the three, among them a woman, to Kiamokama in Masaba District, where they had gone on a similar mission after it was apparent that they were fraudsters.

Police found a bag full of paraphernalia, several ATM cards and Sh45,000 from the suspects.

Drugged them

Nyamache Administration Police commander Abraham Suke said he suspected the young men were innocent and the witch doctors might have drugged them to make the community believe their charm was effective.

He said the three would be arraigned in court once investigations were completed.

Elsewhere, a traditional medicineman collapsed and died as he competed with another over charms.

Mr Ibrahim Abdala Kinacha is said to have travelled from Kilifi to a home in Nyamusi village, Nyamira North District, to treat patients. Another herbalist challenged him into a contest to see who between them had stronger charms.

“The 64-year-old man collapsed and died, causing those who were present to flee in panic,” said witness.

Nyamira police boss Shedrack Maithya on Sunday said they were investigating the incident.