Haki Yetu Organization has issued a pressing open letter to President William Ruto, urging immediate intervention in the rising cases of elderly abuse in Kenya’s coastal counties.
The letter highlights a distressing surge in killings of elderly individuals, accused of witchcraft, particularly in Kilifi and Kwale counties.
Between 2020 and May 2022, Kilifi County alone recorded 138 murders tied to witchcraft allegations, with statistics showing that one elderly person is killed every week.
The National Crime Research Centre identified Kilifi as having one of the highest murder rates in Kenya, with 58.2% of residents aware of murder cases in their communities.
Most of these killings are linked to accusations of witchcraft, resulting in a continuous cycle of violence.
In recent months, the situation has worsened, with 12 elderly individuals losing their lives between August and September 2024.
Five elders and their sub-chiefs from Kibandadongo village were recently accused of witchcraft, and despite seeking police protection, their safety remains uncertain.
The letter criticizes government and local leaders for their silence and inaction in addressing this crisis.
Haki Yetu has called for urgent reforms, including strengthening the justice system, enforcing land rights, updating the Witchcraft Act, and actively protecting elderly citizens under Article 57 of the Kenyan Constitution.
As President Ruto prepares to visit the coast, the organization urges him to prioritize elderly abuse in his agenda and take decisive action to protect Kenya’s elders from further violence and persecution.
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