Witchcraft? Woman arrested after ‘sending snakes’ to her neighbour

Residents of Makutano, West Pokot County woke up in a shock on Wednesday morning after two big snakes invaded the home of a resident, Irene Chemtai.

Chemtai claimed that the snakes were sent by her neighbor, through the influence of black magic, following a quarrel over crops.

The frazzled Chemtai explained that her neighbour’s sheep trespassed into her farm and ate her crops on Tuesday. When Chemtai reported the intrusion to her neighbor, a three-hour quarrel ensued.

“She said that she will have to deal with me using her strong connotations,” Chemtai reported.

Later, two snakes mysteriously made their way into her house, sending Chemtai and her family into a frightened frenzy.

“The snakes flowed in when I was taking supper with my family. We were surprised to see the snakes at the door after thirty minutes after we quarreled,” she added.

A village elder, Mary Chepoisyo, echoed the same sentiments and confirmed that the suspect has been abusing and issuing threats to Chemtai’s family.

Following the bizarre incident, the middle aged woman said that she was fearful of what her neighbour could do to her.

“I am living in fear together with my family, I want the chief and the assistant chief to take charge and settle the dispute i have with my neighbour,” said Chemtai.

Police arrested the suspect, taking her in for further investigation at Kapenguria Police Station.

Responding to the scary episode, area residents said they suspect the woman breeds snakes which she uses to bewitch people.

Led by William Kopusy, they claimed that witchcraft cases have been rampant in the area, adding that Chemtai’s neighbour had earlier claimed to have bewitched one businessman.

Alleging that she posed a threat to many, they called on the Kapenguria Divisional Officer to ensure the woman is evicted from the location.

Kopusy thanked the locals for coming to Chemtai’s rescue and killing the two snakes.