Father, son jailed for assaulting woman over 'missing genitals' witchcraft claim

A father and his son, a Grade Nine student, have each been sentenced to one year in prison for assaulting a woman over a false claim that she had caused the son’s genitals to disappear through witchcraft.

Benson Ngala Daniel, 49, and his 19-year-old son Ruphus Chai Ngala, a student at Manrani, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

The court heard that the incident occurred on July 5 in Mdangarani village, Kauma sub-county, Kilifi County.

Kilifi Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike heard that the two jointly and unlawfully assaulted Asha Samini, causing her actual bodily harm.

The court heard that Ruphus was walking home from his farm when he met Asha, and after exchanging greetings, the woman asked whether he was okay.

Moments later, Ruphus claimed he felt a cold sensation throughout his body and alleged that the woman, who was dressed in a Muslim robe, had caused his genitals to disappear through witchcraft.

He immediately called his father, Benson, who rushed to the scene and grabbed the woman and assaulted her while shouting, attracting a crowd that joined in the attack.

Asha was later rescued by the public and was taken to Jaribuni Police Post alongside the two accused.

Police later escorted Ruphus to Jaribuni Dispensary, where a medical examination confirmed that his genitals were intact and functioning normally, disproving his claims.

Further, the complainant was referred to Kilifi County Hospital for treatment and later issued with a P3 form documenting the injuries she sustained during the assault.

During mitigation, the father pleaded for leniency, telling the court that his wife was unwell and his children depended on him.

Ruphus, the student, also sought a non-custodial sentence, saying he wished to continue with his education.

However, Principal Prosecution Counsel Nancy Njeru opposed a lighter sentence, arguing that the pair had placed the complainant’s life at great risk.

Njeru told the court that mob assaults triggered by witchcraft allegations had become increasingly common along the Coast, often resulting in deaths and serious injuries.

The court further heard that the complainant, who is the sole breadwinner for her family, was still undergoing treatment after suffering a fractured hand and urinary tract complications resulting from the assault.

In sentencing the pair, Magistrate Wasike said their actions reinforced a dangerous falsehood that continued to endanger innocent lives and underscored the need to deter mob justice.

“Cases of this nature have caused people to lose their lives, health, and property,” said Wasike.

The magistrate also directed that the complainant continue receiving treatment at Kilifi County Hospital and ordered the Department of Gender to provide her with psychosocial support.

The two were granted 14 days to appeal the conviction and sentence.