What began as a desperate search for healing turned into a nightmare for a family in Kwale County after a 22-year-old man was allegedly held in chains for five months at a witchdoctor’s homestead.
The shocking incident came to light after police rescued Guni Dele Mwatela from a secluded room in Mwamanga Village, where he was reportedly found sitting on a cold, damp floor with heavy chains locked around his legs.
According to reports, Guni’s family had sought help from the traditional healer after the young man’s mental health condition failed to improve despite receiving treatment at a hospital. Hoping to find a solution, his mother took him to the witchdoctor, unaware that the decision would lead to months of suffering.
The situation reportedly worsened when the healer demanded KSh 18,000 for his services. Unable to raise the full amount, the family found themselves trapped in a painful standoff as the witchdoctor allegedly refused to release Guni.
His father, Mwatela Dele, recounted the heartbreaking ordeal, saying he had initially trusted the healer after relatives recommended traditional treatment.
“I left my wife and son there in January. They stayed for three months while I kept sending money for treatment. But my son’s condition did not improve,” he said.
The distraught father explained that when he later returned and requested that his son be released, the witchdoctor allegedly turned hostile and refused to cooperate.
“I pleaded with him to let my son come home, but he insulted me and insisted I had not paid enough money,” the father claimed.
Despite continuing to send whatever money he could afford, the demands allegedly persisted.
The father further revealed that the healer regularly prepared herbal concoctions in a large pan, boiling leaves and other substances which were then administered to patients.
“He kept saying he was treating my son, but nothing changed,” he lamented.
Images and videos circulating online have since sparked outrage across the country. The footage shows the young man sitting shirtless on a wet concrete floor, visibly weak and restrained by chains attached to metal fixtures embedded in the ground.
Police officers who responded to the case reportedly spent nearly 30 minutes cutting through the metal chains before finally setting him free.
Human rights activists have strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a gross violation of human dignity.
Rights defender Evans Momanyi criticized the practice of seeking treatment for mental illness from unqualified individuals and urged families to seek professional medical care instead.
“Mental illness requires specialized treatment. We have trained medical professionals and public health facilities that can offer proper care. No one should be subjected to such cruel and degrading treatment,” he said.
Following the rescue, Guni was rushed to Msambweni Hospital, where he is receiving treatment and undergoing further medical assessment.
Meanwhile, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Msambweni have launched investigations into the matter. Authorities confirmed that both Guni’s mother and the witchdoctor were arrested and placed in police custody as investigations continue.
The disturbing case has reignited debate about the treatment of people living with mental health conditions and the dangers of relying on unregulated healing practices, with many Kenyans calling for stronger protections for vulnerable patients.
Social Media Reactions
Amina Hassan: “This is heartbreaking. Mental illness is not a crime. Nobody deserves to be chained like an animal.”
Kevin Otieno: “The family was desperate for help, but this went too far. We need more awareness about mental health treatment.”
Faith Wanjiru: “Five months in chains? That is unimaginable. I hope the young man gets the care and support he needs.”
Brian Mwangi: “Authorities should crack down on anyone exploiting vulnerable families in the name of healing.”
Mary Njeri: “This story is painful to read. Mental health patients deserve compassion, not punishment.”
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