By Emmanuel Olinga
Authorities in Katakwi district have issued a stern warning to residents against the use of witchcraft as a method of recovering stolen property, calling it both unlawful and contrary to religious teachings.
The caution follows a disturbing incident in Akales village, Angodingod parish, where three suspected cattle thieves allegedly lost their senses under mysterious circumstances, raising suspicion of supernatural retribution.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, after Charles Apaiki, a 49-year-old resident of Akales village, reported the theft of two bulls worth 2.8 million shillings.
According to local sources, the bulls were stolen from Apeduru Swamp between May 16 and 17. In a bid to recover his livestock, Apaiki reportedly sought help from a witch doctor, a decision that has since divided public opinion and drawn concern from local leaders.
The three affected individuals, Robert Oguti of Akales village, his nephew Joseph Amodoi, and Silver Eduwan, a relative from Akumit village in Omodoi sub-county, allegedly began behaving erratically after ingesting unknown substances.
Eyewitnesses described them as disoriented and speaking incoherently, prompting alarm among villagers. The trio has since been linked to the theft, further fueling community tensions.
George William Operit, the LC1 chairperson of Akales village, condemned both the suspected thieves and the method used to address the crime.
“We do not support using witchcraft to recover property,” Operit said. “But let me be clear, these are not first-time offenders. They started with small things like chickens and have now moved on to cattle. In this month alone, we have recorded more than five incidents of theft.”
Apaiki, the complainant, defended his actions, claiming that he had exhausted legal avenues before turning to traditional means.
“My bulls were taken on Friday and Saturday,” he recounted. “I was desperate and turned to someone who could help me. I have already paid 2 million shillings, with a balance of 2 million still pending. But the healer is now demanding 8 million shillings and four bulls as additional compensation. This is to teach thieves a lesson.”
The case has reignited debate around the use of traditional practices in modern justice systems and the growing frustration over rampant cattle theft in rural areas.
Many villagers sympathize with Apaiki’s plight but question the ethical and spiritual implications of using witchcraft, especially in a predominantly Christian community.
Biblical teachings strongly oppose both theft and sorcery.
The Ten Commandments, revered by Christians and Jews, explicitly prohibit idolatry and stealing.
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image. You shall not steal,” states Exodus 20. These commandments form the foundation of religious morality for many residents of Katakwi and beyond.
District leaders have spoken out against the incident, emphasizing the need to uphold lawful processes.
Geofrey Omolo, the LCV chairperson of Katakwi district, labeled the growing collaboration with witch doctors as “backward” and counterproductive to community development.
“We are facing serious challenges of internal theft, some of it even done in collusion with locals,” he said. “This should not push us to archaic methods. Let us report such cases to the police and allow the law to take its course.”
Vincent Savior Okwi, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Katakwi, echoed the call for vigilance and community solidarity.
“We must be watchful and alert about these thieves,” Okwi said. “But instead of resorting to witchcraft, we should pray for them and expose them. The fight against crime should be guided by faith and the law.”
The incident in Akales village has sparked mixed reactions across Toroma County, with some residents advocating for traditional interventions as a deterrent, while others argue for greater investment in law enforcement and moral education.
Authorities have since launched an investigation into both the livestock theft and the circumstances that led to the trio’s mysterious condition.
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