A witness in a murder case involving four elderly women who were lynched over suspected witchcraft has told the court his mother was hacked using a jembe before she was killed.
Peter Ongware first born son to the 93 year old Sigara Ongware who was killed in cold blood before her body was lynched alongside three other elderly women narrated one of the accused person Amos Nyakundi who was also the ring rider of the murderers took a jembe and hacked her on the head killing her instantly as they watched.
Justice Rose Ougo presiding the case of the four elderly women who were lynched on the allegations of witchcraft photo/Elizabeth Angira
Before Justice Rose Ougo, Mr.Onkware told the court,the armed killers stormed at their home and demanded to go with their mother for allegations of witchcraft, they roughly took her and the first accused person Amos Nyakundi who is in court took a jembe and hacked her ones as she tried to plead with them to spare her life.
“At this time we were overpowered to protect her, they even beat my brother who was holding her tightly leaving him with injuries,” said Onkware.
He narrated women came from the crowd with the help of the accused persons, they undressed her leaving her naked, they then dragged the body for kilometres before lynching it.
The case which is before Justice Rose Ougo has attrated advocates from Human Rights Commission senior counsel Dr.Khaminwa and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Rosemary Kirui and Harun Ndubi.
Counsel Harun Ndubi asked the defence Counsel Anyona not to intimidate the witness during cross examination; the scenes will retraumatise the witness.
Justice Ougo asked the defence Counsel Anyona representing Amos Nyakundi to have a human face as he interrogated the witness.
The case will resume on 17th, 18th and 19th of May for hearing.
<strong>Senior Climate Reporter | The Mount Kenya Times</strong>
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<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-82075" src="https://mountkenyatimes.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Elizabeth-Angira-shines-with-a-third-place-win-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />
Elizabeth Angira is a trailblazing climate journalist whose work bridges science, policy, and human impact. As Senior Climate Reporter at <em>The Mount Kenya Times</em>, she leads in-depth coverage on climate resilience, energy innovation, and sustainability across East Africa and beyond. Her storytelling has earned international acclaim, including a third-place win for “The Best Energy Story in Foreign Media” by the Global Energy Association in Moscow.
Elizabeth’s portfolio reflects her commitment to excellence and advocacy:
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🏆 <strong>Awards & Honors</strong>
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<li><strong>African Journalist Gender Equality Award (2021)</strong> – FEMNET</li>
<li><strong>Agenda 2063 African Women in Media Pitch Zone Award (2021 & 2022)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Media Council of Kenya Digital Awards</strong> – Agriculture, Food Security, and Sports Reporting</li>
<li><strong>MERCK Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Award</strong> – Print & Online</li>
<li><strong>National Association of Science Writers (NASW) Award</strong> – Science Writing</li>
<li><strong>Global Energy Association Award (2025)</strong> – Third place for <em>“The Best Energy Story in Foreign Media”</em>, presented at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall in Moscow</li>
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With a background in environmental science and a sharp eye for policy impact, Elizabeth is a trusted voice in climate discourse. She contributes to global panels, mentors emerging journalists, and champions inclusive narratives that amplify underrepresented voices in science and media.