KENYA: Man In Machakos Found With Human Remains, Charged Over Witchcraft Allegations

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

A 55-year-old man, Mumo Nthiwa, has been charged in a Machakos court after investigators discovered human hair, skin, nails, and other strange materials believed to be linked to witchcraft practices.

The suspect was arrested after police connected him to ongoing investigations into the killing of a woman in Kathiani.

Detectives had first encountered another man, Erick Makau, performing rituals near a water tank in Mbee.

When questioned, Makau claimed that Nthiwa supplied him with the items.

According to Machakos Sub-County Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DC) boss Nzioka Singi, the incident emerged during a probe into the murder of Easther Katongo last month.

Singi revealed that Makau had been caught attempting to poison drinking water with tobacco before naming Nthiwa as an accomplice.

“We were investigating the murder of Easther Katongo in Kathiani when we came across a man involved in witchcraft. That is when we started investigating an alleged poisoning case where another man, Erick Makau, was carrying half a kilogram of tobacco to put in a tank containing drinking water,” Singi said.

“He was cornered by the family and forced to reveal his actions, and that is when he named a few people, among them Mumo Nthiwa. Now we are investigating Nthiwa to know if he has a hand in the murder.”

Police later stormed Nthiwa’s premises, where they recovered charms, photographs of residents, and other objects tied to ritual practices.

Investigators say Nthiwa admitted he had been using threats and fear to extort money from locals while presenting himself as a preacher.

He was arraigned and charged with possession of items associated with witchcraft and sorcery under the Witchcraft Act, Cap 67. The court ordered the confiscated items to be destroyed.

Authorities have urged residents to stay alert and avoid falling victim to individuals exploiting traditional beliefs for financial gain.

Makau, who had initially been implicated, was later released after being found not guilty.