Woman succumbs to snake bite during 'prayers' led by witch doctor

A family from Murende village in Matayos Constituency, Busia County, is mourning the sudden death of their kin, who was bitten by a snake.

The deceased was attending a 'prayer session' led by a witch doctor who was allegedly conducting rituals for their neighbor using occult materials.

The deceased's husband, Alloyce Ouma Okumu, and their daughter Stella Athieno, said that the late Margaret Agutu had gone to participate alongside other neighbors.

During the session, the woman was bitten by the snake on her finger. However, she tried to inform the witch doctor that she had been bitten by the snake.

However, her concerns fell on deaf ears, as she continued to suffer from severe pain.

When he realized that the woman's condition was deteriorating, he took the snake, placed it in a sack along with his other mystical tools of trade, and fled the scene.

The woman died while being rushed hospital.

The family, along with community members and neighbors, called on security officers to assist with investigations so that justice can be served.

They have also appealed for financial assistance to cover the burial costs of the deceased, whose body is lying at the Busia Referral Hospital mortuary.