Horror of Kenya's 'witch' lynchings (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Odhiambo Joseph
BBC News, Kenya

***
I can't see clearly what is going on, but heavy smoke is rising from the ground and a horrible stench fills the air.

More people are streaming up the hill, some of them with firewood and maize stalks.

Suddenly an old woman breaks from the crowd, screaming for mercy. Three or four people go after her, beat her and drag her back, pushing her onto - what I can now see - is a raging fire.

Burned alive

I was witnessing a horrific practice which appears to be on the increase in Kenya - the lynching of people accused of being witches.

I personally saw the burning alive of five elderly men and women in Itii village.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8119201.stm




It is horrible to think that such things can still happen in this day and age. Why hasn't education reached into these corners of Africa? Or is this some religious belief that people refuse to give up?

[chaplainM]

1. Didn't Gov. Palin get "blessed" by one of these witch-burners? n/t

[dgibby]

4. Yep! n/t

[FiveGoodMen]

2. More painful and horrific than the 'gay demon exorcism', but driven by the same insanity

"Why hasn't education reached into these corners of Africa? Or is this some religious belief that people refuse to give up?"

I think that anyplace education won't reach, religion is the thing stopping it.

[theoldman]

3. In lieu of education and condoms we sent them bibles.

I cannot think of one example where the Western nations improved the lives of African people.