Father and son among four convicted for brutal killing of elderly women in Kisii

The convicts are Amos Nyakundi Ondieki (1st accused), Chrispin Makworo Ogeto (2nd accused), his father Evans Ogeto Okari (11th accused), and Hesborn Ong'ondi Gichana (7th accused).

All sixteen suspects were charged with four counts of murder, but only these four were convicted on the third and fourth charges. 

The victims—Sindege Mayaka, Rael Sigara, Agnes Moraa, and Jemimah Nyang'ate—were brutally killed in broad daylight after being accused of witchcraft.

Justice Waweru Kiarie delivered the judgement virtually, stating that the evidence presented conclusively proved the four's guilt on the third and fourth counts of murder. 

However, the court found insufficient evidence to link the other twelve suspects to the crimes, resulting in their acquittal.

The case is set for mention on January 22, 2025, to prepare a pre-sentence report before the convicts' sentencing.

Following the killings, Kisii County Governor James Ongwae formed a 14-member task force to investigate widespread witchcraft beliefs and their connection to extrajudicial killings.

The task force was tasked with investigating the prevalence of these beliefs, the security concerns of elderly people who are frequently targeted by such accusations, and the socioeconomic factors that drive youth involvement in these crimes.

While launching the initiative, Ongwae expressed hope that the findings would assist in developing measures to combat the vice, with the possibility of sharing the recommendations with the national government. 

However, to date, the task force's findings have not been made public, raising concerns about the progress and impact of its work.