By Edward Lyomu | Editor, Mulembe Times
Published: April 18, 2025 | 10:36 AM EAT
In a horrifying act of mob justice, five members of the same family were lynched by villagers in Nyangonyi village, Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, on Thursday morning. The victims—three women and two men—were accused of practicing witchcraft, sparking outrage and grief both locally and nationally.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack was carried out by an angry mob of villagers who stormed the family’s compound at dawn, dragging the victims out of their home before setting them ablaze. Local authorities arrived too late to save the victims, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
Confirming the incident, Kisii County Police Commander Charles Kases stated, “We have launched a full-scale investigation into the killings. This is a clear case of lawlessness, and we are urging the public not to take the law into their own hands. Arrests will be made.”
Residents allege that the family had long been suspected of practicing witchcraft, a belief that remains prevalent in some rural parts of Kenya. However, no formal complaints had ever been filed, and no evidence was produced to support the allegations.
The Kisii County Commissioner, Tom Anjere, condemned the killings, calling them “barbaric and unjustifiable.” He urged locals to rely on legal channels when handling suspicions or disputes.
The bodies of the victims have been taken to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary as police continue investigations. Several community elders and youth leaders are assisting detectives in identifying the perpetrators.
Human rights groups have also weighed in, calling for urgent government intervention to address increasing cases of mob justice and to dismantle harmful traditional beliefs that often result in deadly violence.
Public Reaction
The brutal killings have sparked widespread outrage on social media, with Kenyans calling for justice and protection for vulnerable communities. Hashtags such as #JusticeForKisiiFamily and #EndMobJustice have been trending on X (formerly Twitter) since news of the tragedy broke.
Related Stories:
Mob Justice: A Growing Menace in Rural KenyaWitchcraft Accusations and the Law: What You Need to Know Voices from Kisii: Locals Speak Out Against Violence
