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9 Nigerian nationals almost lynched in Thika for ‘practicing witchcraft’


Police on Sunday evening came to the rescue of nine Nigerians in Thika town, Kiambu County after locals accused them of witchcraft.

The foreigners were almost lynched by an angry mob after they were found performing what residents of in Kangokii area in Makongeni believed were rituals. The mob pounced on the foreigners while shouting to attract the attention of other members of the public.

They were rescued by police officers on patrol. The Nigerians were taken to Ama Hospital before being transferred to Thika Level Five Hospital for further treatment in stable but serious conditions.

They denied claims that they were performing rituals, saying they were praying.

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Last week, two elderly women were lynched in Murang’a County on claims they were witches. Police officers were caught unawares by the 10:30pm incident in Kahuro’s Kiamikoe village.

The two victims’ homes, about 200 metres apart, were raided by about 100 male attackers armed with crude weapons, who then forced them out and led them to a road.

Villagers said security should be enhanced in the village as it has suffered under the Mungiki sect for more than 20 years.

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Cases of mob lynching, which is criminal in Kenya, have been on the rise in the country amid calls to tame the culture.

Up to five incidents are reported weekly and some of the victims are said to be innocent.

As a results many lives have been lost. The trend shows that whenever a crime is reported to be high, cases of mob justice also increase.

Also read: Court declines woman’s plea to withdraw case against man who drugged, raped her