Police rescue Kwale Man held in chains at homestead for five months
Written by Victor Nyachae on June 1, 2026
A 22-year-old man has been rescued by police after being held in chains for five months at the home of a traditional herbalist in Mwamanga Village, Kwale County.
The man, who hails from Darugube, was found padlocked to a heavy metal chain fastened to the floor inside one of the herbalist’s rooms.
He had reportedly been taken there for treatment of a mental illness.
According to witnesses the man was emaciated, clad in a short, chained to the ground on both feet.
Police officers spent nearly 30 minutes cutting through the chain before freeing the visibly shaken man, whose health appeared to have deteriorated during the prolonged confinement.
Police said that the herbalist kept the man chained on the floor fitted with metallic hooks permanently cemented into the concrete, and a padlock.
The victim’s father, Mwatela Dela, said his son developed a mental illness and was initially taken to hospital for treatment.
However, after failing to see significant improvement, the family was persuaded to seek help from a traditional healer.
According to Mwatela, there was disagreement over payment, forcing him to report the matter to the police, who accompanied him to the homestead.
Human rights defender Evans Momanyi condemned the incident, describing the conditions under which the young man was held as cruel, degrading and inhumane.
He said no human being deserves to be subjected to such treatment regardless of their medical condition.
Msambweni DCI officers are investigating the matter.
According to the DCI, both the herbalist and the victim’s mother are in custody as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the rescued man was taken to Msambweni Hospital for medical treatment and further assessment.
