The Kisii High Court has sentenced four men to a combined total of 135 years in prison for their role in the horrific lynching of four elderly individuals accused of practising witchcraft in Banda Sub-location, Marani Sub-County.
According to a statement released by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the gruesome killings took place on October 17, 2021, shocking the nation and renewing urgent calls to end mob violence rooted in superstition.
“The Kisii High Court has sentenced four individuals for their involvement in the brutal lynching of four people accused of witchcraft in Banda Sub-location, Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, on October 17, 2021.”
The statement noted that the victims—Jemima Mironga, 60; Agnes Ototo, 57; Sigara Onkware, 62; and Sidenge Mayaka, 85—were savagely attacked after being accused of witchcraft, and burned beyond recognition.
Police were alerted to the scene by the area assistant chief, who had been tipped off that two people had been lynched. However, upon their arrival, they discovered that it was four people who had been lynched, as there were four charred remains of human bodies.
“The initial report revealed that two people had been lynched on suspicion of practising witchcraft. Upon arrival at the scene, police found two more victims, their bodies burned beyond recognition.”
The investigation
Detectives from the DCI Marani Sub-County led an exhaustive three-year investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Four suspects—Amos Nyakundi Ondieki, Chrispine Makwaro Ogeto, Hesbon Ogondi Gichana, and Evans Ogeto Okari—were apprehended and identified as the architects of the attack.
The court was presented with chilling accounts of how the victims were rounded up, accused of witchcraft, and subjected to a violent mob attack.
Although the accused denied any involvement, the prosecution’s compelling evidence and witness testimonies left no doubt about their culpability.
The sentencing
The highly anticipated verdict was delivered yesterday, January 23, 2025, by Kisii High Court Judge Hon. Justice Kiarie. This is when Amos Nyakundi Ondieki, Hesbon Ogondi Gichana, and Evans Ogeto Okari were each handed 40-year prison sentences for the four counts, to be served concurrently.
Meanwhile, Chrispine Makwaro Ogeto, deemed to have played a lesser role in the crimes, received a 15-year sentence for each count, also to be served concurrently.
In total, the sentences amount to 135 years of imprisonment, marking a landmark victory in the fight against mob justice and superstition-driven violence.
“Today, Hon. Justice Kiarie delivered the verdict, sentencing Amos Nyakundi Ondieki, Hesbon Ogondi Gichana, and Evans Ogeto Okari each to 40 years in prison for each count, with the sentences running concurrently. Chrispine Makwaro Ogeto received a sentence of 15 years for each count, also to be served concurrently.”
