Friday, July 03, 2009

Horror of Kenya's 'witch' lynchings


Joseph Ondieki, at the grave of his mother, who was burned as a witch
Joseph Ondieki, at the grave of his mother, who was burned as a witch

By Odhiambo Joseph
BBC News, Kenya

Villagers, many straight from their farms, and armed with machetes, sticks and axes, are shouting and crowding round in a big group in Kenya's fertile Kisii district.

I can't see clearly what is going on, but heavy smoke is rising from the ground and a horrible stench fills the air.

More people are streaming up the hill, some of them with firewood and maize stalks.

Suddenly an old woman breaks from the crowd, screaming for mercy. Three or four people go after her, beat her and drag her back, pushing her onto - what I can now see - is a raging fire.

MORE HERE!



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