A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to murder his 70-year-old uncle over witchcraft allegations in Kilifi County.
Mapenzi Gharama Katana was sentenced by Principal Magistrate Ivy D. Wasike after the prosecution proved the charge of attempted murder under Section 220(a) of the Penal Code.
The court heard that Katana, alongside another person, attacked his uncle, Palu Katana Kashuru, with a panga on June 13, 2024, in Petanguo Village, Ganze Sub-County.
The victim was relaxing outside his house after dinner when his nephew struck him on the back of the head. As he attempted to escape, he sustained further cuts to his hands, losing several fingers.
His screams attracted his grandchildren and neighbours, who rushed to rescue him. He was initially taken to Ganze Health Centre before being transferred to Kilifi County Hospital, where he remained admitted until July 4, 2024.
A medical examination confirmed grievous injuries, including deep head and facial wounds and fractures to his left ulna and index finger.
The court rejected Katana’s alibi, describing it as rehearsed and contradictory, and found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The magistrate condemned witchcraft-related violence, noting that the attack was motivated by allegations that the victim had bewitched Katana’s deceased father.
Katana has been granted 14 days to appeal the sentence.