Elderly woman killed by unknown attackers

Police in Kwale County are investigating the gruesome murder of an elderly woman in Chikwakwani village, Mtaa sub-location Kinango Sub-County.

The 88-year-old woman, identified as Umazi Nyanje, was hacked to death at her home while taking super with her granddaughter on Tuesday night.

Kwale County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo said the deceased was attacked by three men armed with pangas.

He said police officers were informed of the incident by Mtaa assistant chief Mr Jonathan Kombe.

"When police visited the scene, they established that the deceased was taking supper with her granddaughter when three unknown men broke into the house and started attacking the deceased with a panga," said Mr Ngumo.

Mr Ngumo said the body had deep cuts on the head and neck. He said that police have launched investigations.

The motive of the killing has not yet been established. There are suspicions, however, that the deceased could have fallen victim to a vigilante-style attack following similar killings in the area targeting elderly people suspected of practicing witchcraft.

Police records indicated at least 42 elderly have been killed since January, this year in suspicion of practicing witchcraft.

Kinanago and Lunga Lunga sub-counties are the hardest hit by the vice that has left both locals and security agencies in a dilemma.

Mr Ngumo condemned the killing of elderly people and urged all leaders in the county to join the efforts in sensitising the society against inhuman and retrogressive cultures.

The body was moved to Kinango Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem.