THE UNSEEN FORCES IN KITUI

In the rolling plains and rocky hills of Kitui County, stories travel faster than wind. Whispers of strange illnesses, sudden deaths or unexplained misfortunes often carry a familiar explanation among locals: its witchcraft. Many stories have said concerning Kitui practising alot of witchcraft. But whats the truth behind the talk?

Some individuals were believed to possess ability to heal, protect or harm. “Not all of it was evil,” says Mzee Muasya, an 82-year old elder in Mwingi. “There were those who used their knowledge to cure, to find stolen animals or even settle disputes. But there were also those who used it to harm out of jealousy or revenge.”

As time passed and especially with the rise of christianity and formal education, the word ‘witch’ began only to carry negative weight. In Kitui, accusations of witchcraft became more frequent sometimes with deadly consequences.

In some villages, elderly people particularly women have been attacked or even killed after being labelled as witches. Accusations often follow unexplained deaths, mental illness or family conflicts. In extreme cases, entire families are ostracized. Mary a widow in Kitui South, recalls the night her brother was beaten after neighbors claimed he had cursed a neighbor’s crops. “He had done nothing,” she says. “Just old and poor. But they were afraid of him.”

“We cannot allow fear to become an excuse for violence,” says Josephine Ndanu, a Kitui-based social worker.”Traditional beliefs should be handled with understanding and responsibility.”

In towns, skepticism is growing. “Some of these stories are just fear and coincidence,” says Amos, a university student. “Blaming witchcraft is sometimes easier than facing the real problems; poverty, mental health and poor healthcare.” But even those who claim not to believe still hesitate to dismiss it entirely.

Kitui’s story is not one of darkness, but of duality where belief and disbelief, fear and faith, old and new co-exist. Rather than ridicule or silence the topic, some local leaders are calling for education and dialogue. “We need to educate people, especially in rural areas, about mental health, natural causes of illness and the law,” says Chief Mumo of Mutomo. “But we also need to respect culture and separate what builds us from what destroys us.”

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BY: FALARY MUTETHYA

John

The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.