Over 20 elders have been killed on allegations of witchcraft in Kilifi County this year, Ganze legislator Teddy Mwambire has revealed.

The legislator expressed concerns over the worrying trend saying most of the killings are land-related.

He urged the relevant state agencies to come up with mitigation measures to contain the trend.

“This year alone over 20 elders have been killed in what is seen as land-related cases. Young people accuse the elderly of engaging in witchcraft,” said Mwambire.

The lawmaker called on civil society organizations in the region to work closely with the local leaders in a bid to address the challenge.

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Mwambire however, admits that Kilifi County is one of the counties that has witnessed a surge in gender-based violence.

He notes that as a way of curbing the vice, he has put up a rescue centre for the elderly.

“We have a rescue centre and have so far rescued 8 elders. There is a need for the relevant government agencies to take up the challenge,” said the vocal lawmaker.

Meanwhile, Pwani Social Justice Centre chairperson Simon Kazungu asked state agencies to ensure they actively play their roles.

He wants the government to fast track investigations involving the killing of the elderly noting “the truth is young people are in quest for land inheritance,”