Nine Nigerian nationals were fortunate to escape the wrath of a mob baying for their blood after suspecting them of witchcraft.
In the incident that occurred on Sunday, February 26, 2023, the foreigners were conducting prayers in Kangokii area within Makongeni area, Thika when the locals who thought they were conducting rituals attacked them.
The agitated mob gave the foreigners a thorough beating as they called on other members of the public to assist in lynching them.
Police officers who were patrolling the area at the time rescued the Nigerians and ferried them to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The victims sustained serious injuries from the attack by the locals.
When interrogated, the Nigerians strongly refuted the claims made by the locals and insisted that they were conducting prayers.
Cases of lynching over witchcraft claims have been on the rise.
The most recent incident occurred in Kahuro Kiamikoe village in Murang’a county where two elderly women were burnt to death over witchcraft allegations.
Mary Njoki, 75, and Jane Wambui, 85, were stripped, beaten and burnt by a mob, who attacked them at night, dragged them from their homes, and burnt them.
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki ordered a crackdown, saying the trend must stop.
