Man dies after stealing money at funeral

Police in Homa Bay County are investigating the death of a 33-year-old man who is claimed to have been killed by a witch doctor who supposedly cast an evil spell on suspects who allegedly stole money contributed at a funeral.

The deceased, Geoffrey Odhiambo Onoka, is said to have colluded with another unidentified man at Kakola Village in Rachuonyo East to steal Ksh.56,000 that had been contributed by mourners during the burial of Mzee Peter Angira on Friday last week.

The two allegedly sneaked into the house where the money was kept and made away with it. Geoffrey allegedly squandered his share and remained silent, while his accomplice returned the money.

The theft forced the bereaved family to seek services of a witch doctor from Siaya County to help them punish whoever stole the money.

On Sunday, the herbalist allegedly worked on his paraphernalia, casting a spell on whoever stole the money.

According to Geoffrey’s elder brother, David Onoka, they visited Peter Angira’s family who confirmed to them that their brother was one of the suspects targeted by the witch doctor.

They went to the witch-doctor and in a verbal agreement, the ‘magician’ demanded Ksh.70,000 to rescue Geoffrey but they bargained and settled on Ksh.48,000 which they provided.

Geoffrey’s brother said the witch doctor performed his theatrics and assured the family that he (Geoffrey) would not die, but to their surprise he died on Wednesday morning.

Angered by the incident, Geoffrey’s family carried his body to Peter Angira’s home accompanied by angry residents who torched the home inuring one person

Rachuonyo East Deputy County Commissioner Jack Obuo confirmed the incident saying they have launched investigation into the matter.