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Calm returns in Kisii after killing of 'witches'

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Published on Thursday, 22 May 2008 16:56
Tension remains high in Marani Division of Kisii District following Wednesday's lynching of eleven suspected witches and wizards. The District security team accompanied by investigators has been dispatched to the area to crack down on the perpetrators. A local vigilante group on Wednesday went on rampage, killing the suspects and torching over 100 houses.

Rioma OCS, Justus Serem said the raiders doused the victims with petrol before lynching them. Scores of people were injured as the raiders went from house to house in search of suspected witches and wizards.

Most of those killed were elderly while five people were rescued by security personnel from the angry mob. Trouble is said to have started when a list of suspected witches and wizards was found at Nyamasaria Primary School alongside another with a list of names of those to be killed for their alleged involvement in witchcraft.

Despite a peace meeting chaired by Marani District Officer James Gitau on Tuesday, the mob regrouped at night and begun its grisly search and kill mission. The raiders claimed the burning of the suspects would bring peace to the area.