Kisii murders fuelled by land inheritance, not witchcraft – Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged the common narrative surrounding a spate of brutal killings in Kisii County, saying they are driven more by land inheritance disputes than by traditional witchcraft accusations. Speaking at the 39th Jukwaa la Usalama security forum in Kisii, Murkomen expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of murders in the region, particularly involving elderly people. He argued that claims of witchcraft are often a smokescreen used by younger relatives to seize land. The Star+1
According to Murkomen, many of the killings are perpetrated under the guise of witchcraft but are in reality motivated by greed for family land. He noted that succession pressures in Kisii remain intense, with fragmented landholdings pushing younger generations to resort to violence. The Star To counter this trend, he revealed plans for the Ministry of Lands to explore long-term solutions such as land consolidation and speeding up succession processes to reduce the incentives for such fatal disputes. The Eastleigh Voice News+2Capital FM+2
Reaction to his remarks has been mixed but mostly supportive. Local leaders and civil society actors have applauded his frank acknowledgment of the land issue, saying it validates long-standing fears about land-based vendettas. Meanwhile, human rights advocates point out the need to protect vulnerable elders and ensure land policies are fair and transparent. Looking ahead, Murkomen called on communities to use public cemeteries instead of burying loved ones on private land — a move he says could ease land pressure and prevent future conflicts. Capital FM