In Ugenya, Siaya County on 28 May, Shock and horror gripped residents of Jera Central village in Ugenya sub-county after a brutal and tragic incident in which a man allegedly beheaded his 85-year-old grandmother, accusing her of practicing witchcraft.

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old George Opondo, reportedly attacked his grandmother, Jenipher Aduol, with an axe before locking her lifeless body inside her house. According to local authorities, Opondo later walked into Bar-Ober police post and voluntarily confessed to the gruesome crime. He also requested officers to accompany him to the scene to retrieve the body.

North Ugenya Chief John Okelo Mboto confirmed the chilling incident, stating that police officers, alongside personnel from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), immediately responded. Upon arriving at the scene, the house was found locked, but officers were able to locate the key and gain entry. Inside, they discovered the elderly woman’s body lying on the floor, bearing deep wounds consistent with an axe attack.

Investigators collected vital evidence, including the suspected murder weapon an axe and a spade, which were both taken to Ukwala Police Station for forensic examination. The body of the deceased was transported to a private mortuary in Sega town, where a postmortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.

During interrogation, the suspect claimed that his grandmother was responsible for misfortunes and lack of progress in their family, which he attributed to witchcraft.

The suspect is currently being held at Ukwala Police Station as investigations continue. Authorities have condemned the incident, calling for calm and urging residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. The case has reignited concerns over the persistent belief in witchcraft in parts of the country, which continues to lead to violence, particularly against the elderly.

Law enforcement officials have assured the public that justice will be pursued and that the suspect will face due legal process.