By Caroline Katana
Despite ongoing efforts to deliver justice for elderly victims of abuse and killings linked to witchcraft accusations, the lack of willing witnesses continues to cripple the legal process.
Speaking to Kwale Press Club, Sirya Garama Kiponda, the Chairperson of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in Malindi, Kilifi County revealed that although some cases make it to court and a few progress well, many collapse due to the absence of crucial eyewitness testimony.
“Some cases have been filed and are proceeding smoothly, but a majority fall apart because witnesses are either afraid, related to the accused, or are close neighbors and unwilling to testify,” Kiponda explained.
This silence, often driven by fear, family ties, or social pressure, creates loopholes for suspects to evade justice, leaving victims without legal recourse or protection.
Data from the coastal region indicate a worrying rise in violence against elderly individuals, many of whom are targeted based on superstitious beliefs associating old age with witchcraft.
The trend has sparked widespread concern about the role of communities and government in safeguarding the dignity and rights of senior citizens.
Kiponda urged the public to embrace human rights education and cast off irrational fears that prevent truth-telling in court.
He stressed that justice can only prevail when communities are brave enough to speak out—even when it means testifying against someone close.
As more cases continue to collapse, the critical question remains: Is the community ready to stand for truth and justice, even when it means challenging its own?
