By Our Correspondent
Three houses were torched in a mob attack following allegations of witchcraft in Kamasit Village, Sigotik Sub-location, Njoro Sub-county, Nakuru County.
The incident occurred on Monday and was linked to claims involving a two-year-old child.
According to a report filed at Nessuit Police Station, the incident was reported by Caren Chepkurui, a resident of the area. She told police that a mob, allegedly mobilised and led by her immediate neighbour, stormed her homestead with the intention of setting it ablaze.
Police officers from Nessuit Police Station, led by the Njoro Sub-county Police Commander, rushed to the scene. On arrival, they found three houses already burnt to the ground as villagers watched from a distance.
Preliminary investigations estimate the value of the destroyed houses and assorted household items at Sh371,500.
Police suspect the attack was triggered by a long-standing dispute between the complainant and her neighbours, identified as Peter Rono and his wife, Maurine Chepkorir. The couple allegedly accused Chepkurui of bewitching their frequently ill two-year-old daughter.
Area assistant chiefs Milkah Langat of Amani Sub-location and Sammy Kirui of Sigotik Sub-location, together with the Sub-county Police Commander, addressed the agitated crowd and urged calm. The mob later dispersed peacefully.
Police have opened investigations into the incident, which is being treated as arson. Inquiries are ongoing at Nessuit Police Station.