Wave of elder killings in Coast counties sparks alarm on abuse awareness day
The Haki Yetu Organisation has revealed that at least 89 older people were murdered in Kilifi and Kwale counties between 2023 and 2025, with many of the attacks linked to accusations of witchcraft.
As the world observes Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a coastal human rights organisation has raised alarm over a rising wave of killings targeting older people in Kilifi and Kwale counties, calling it a silent crisis fueled by harmful beliefs and neglect.
The Haki Yetu Organisation revealed that at least 89 older people have been murdered in the two counties between 2023 and 2025, with the attacks often linked to witchcraft accusations.
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The group says most victims in Kwale have been women, while Kilifi has reported more cases involving older men, averaging one killing per week across both counties.
“The world Elderly Abuse Awareness Day is a day to reflect on the devastating consequences of elder abuse and to promote actions that can prevent it. It’s evident that witchcraft-related killing of older persons plays a significant part in these alarming statistics,” said Peter Kiama, Executive Director of Haki Yetu.
The advocacy group has been at the forefront of the Mvi Si Uchawi campaign (Swahili for “grey hair is not witchcraft”), aimed at challenging deeply entrenched beliefs that associate ageing with evil.
A 2023 survey by the organisation Aged on Edge documented 160 killings between 2020 and 2023, shedding light on an issue that has long been overlooked.
Progress remains slow
Although recent efforts have brought more attention to the plight of the elderly, Haki Yetu says progress remains slow.
“While the numbers for the last three years may seem low, many cases remain unreported, while many are suffering silently from maiming and injuries due to discrimination against older persons,” said Kiama.
The lobby group noted investigation and prosecution of perpetrators has been slow and ineffective, with the majority of cases remaining unresolved, partly due to the non-cooperation of community members and police laxity.
A report by the National Crime Research Centre found that 58.2 per cent of Kilifi and Kwale residents were aware of murder cases in their neighbourhoods, with a significant portion involving older individuals accused of witchcraft.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, commemorated annually in June, calls attention to the physical, emotional, and financial abuse faced by older people globally.
This year’s theme, Empowering Older Persons Building Resilient Communities Free from Abuse, is especially timely in the Kenyan coastal context.
Haki Yetu is now urging the county and national governments to strengthen laws, improve policing, and prioritise education campaigns to eliminate harmful cultural beliefs and protect older citizens.
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