Nairobi - Kenyan police said on Wednesday they would investigate the murder of 22 people accused of being witches, killed since last month in a spate of separate attacks.
“People are being lynched because they are accused of being witches,” said Kiprono Langat, police chief for the coastal town of Malindi.
“Instead of making them face the law, they just lynch them - we are talking of about 22 cases.”
Langat said many of those who were killed were elderly, and included both men and women.
“It is a worrying trend particularly here in Malindi... An investigation is underway and stern action will be taken against those found to have participated. It can't be left to continue,” he added.
Like in many parts of Africa, many communities in Kenya believe in the powers of witch doctors and black magic in influencing the course of social events. - Sapa-AFP