Residents of Esamba village in West Mugirango are now asking the government to chip in and help them demolish a grass thatched house, which the owner was banished from the village following accusations of witchcraft.
On Tuesday, the residents thronged the offices of Nyagachi chief’s camp and made the request on grounds that the owner, Mary Moraa had threatened them against demolishing the house prior to her eviction early this year.
According to the residents, a mysterious fire lit up around the house, though it does not burn anything, before a suspected voice of Moraa is heard warning and cursing residents.
“We want the house to be demolished by the government. These people (witches) are fairly powerful, it is difficult for someone to do contrary to their expectations because they can bewitch you,” said Cornelius Ondimu.
“We have been seeing suspicious fire, which doesn’t burn anything in the house. Thereafter, a voice suspected to be that of Moraa is heard complaining and threatening us against demolishing her house,” he added.
However, area Chief Nehemiah Abaya could not give more details on the issue, but urged residents to remain calm as the government looks for a lasting solution.
“It is hard to comment on such an issue because it is purely superstitions. However, it will be important if they give the government sometime to come up with a solution on the issue,” he said.