A 55-year-old man named Mumo Nthiwa has been arrested and arraigned in a Machakos court for possessing items linked to witchcraft, including human hair, skin, nails, and other disturbing materials. His arrest came after police investigations into the murder of a woman in Machakos town named Easther Katongo.
The probe began when officers found Erick Makau in Mbee, Kathiani, performing suspicious rituals near a water tank. On questioning, Makau revealed that he got witchcraft items from Nthiwa. Police then launched a wider investigation into Nthiwa’s activities.
According to Nzioka Singi, the Machakos sub-county Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss, the investigation revealed that Makau was carrying tobacco intended for poisoning a water tank, and the family of the deceased forced him to disclose those involved. Nthiwa’s home was later searched, and police seized numerous charms, photographs of local residents, and other items tied to cult practices.
Nthiwa admitted to using fear and superstition to extort money from people and said he was also a preacher. He was formally charged with possessing charms and articles used in witchcraft, sorcery, or enchantment to cause fear or harm, a violation under Section 5 of the Witchcraft Act No. 23, Cap 67.
Makau was later released after being found innocent of any wrongdoing. The court has ordered that all seized witchcraft items be destroyed.
DCI boss Singi urged residents to be cautious and not to fall victim to those exploiting spiritual beliefs for financial gain.
This case highlights the continuing challenges faced by Kenya’s authorities in addressing crime intertwined with beliefs in witchcraft, especially in rural areas.
