Four older women accused of being “witches” were lynched and murdered by members of their community in Kenya this week.
Allegations of witchcraft are on the increase in certain parts of Kenya. Such accusations can lead to barbaric acts of violence against older women, often from members of their own families seeking to profit from their death.
In response to this week’s horrific killings, HelpAge International joined forces with 21 other organizations to call for the Kenyan government to take immediate action to stop this barbaric practice and to deliver justice for the four murdered women.
Carole Ageng’o, HelpAge International’s regional representative in Africa, said: “This shocking practice is colored by deeply ageist attitudes and motivated by greed. It is leading to the brutal death of too many older women – and even men – at the hands of their own families while no action is being taken against the perpetrators. This must stop.
The authorities in Kenya must investigate these crimes and put in place measures to deter any future false accusations of witchcraft, making sure that older women and men can lead safe and secure lives.”
You can read the full statement issued by the consortium of 22 organizations here.
This article was originally published by HelpAge International.
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