Four sentenced in Kisii witchcraft lynching case

In a landmark ruling, the Kisii High Court has handed down prison sentences to four men for their roles in the brutal lynching of four elderly people accused of witchcraft in Banda sub-location, Marani, Kisii County. The verdict, delivered on January 22, 2025, closed a painful chapter for the victims’ families and underscored Kenya’s zero tolerance for mob justice. Three of the convicted—Amos Nyakundi Ondiek, Hesbon Ogondi Gichana, and Evans Ogeto Okari—were each sentenced to 40 years behind bars, while a younger defendant, Chrispine Makwaro Ogeto, received 15 years. DCI+2Capital FM+2
The case stems from a horrifying incident that took place on October 17, 2021, when reports reached authorities of a mob gathering after accusations of witchcraft. According to court records, villagers dragged the four elderly victims—Jemima Mironga (60), Agnes Ototo (57), Sigara Onkware (62), and Sidenge Mayaka (85)—from their homes. Two of the victims were found burned beyond recognition upon the arrival of police. DCI+1 The investigation was handled by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Marani, who had pursued the case for nearly three years. KUTV+1
The ruling has drawn sighs of relief from rights groups and the bereaved families, who see it as a strong message that extrajudicial violence will not go unpunished. The son of one of the victims expressed gratitude that the justice system finally recognized the brutality of the crime. Citizen Digital Yet, members of the convicted men’s families expressed their disappointment, with some indicating they may appeal the verdict. Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.
Looking forward, the ruling is expected to serve as a deterrent to communities tempted to take the law into their own hands over witchcraft claims. Legal observers note that this case could help galvanize further education in rural areas about due process and the dangers of mob violence. Human rights organisations are calling for more community engagement, urging the government to pair legal enforcement with outreach to discourage similar tragedies in the future.