Fear has gripped Masewani village in Kangundo, Machakos County, after a family at the centre of a decades-old land dispute made a chilling discovery shortly after winning their case in court.
On November 11, 2024, the Kangundo Magistrate’s Court dismissed an application by relatives who had sought to revoke the grant of administration issued to Martha Munyiva Kiamba, ruling that she rightfully retained authority over the contested land.
In the case, the applicants argued that Martha failed to disclose that Onesmus Mwei Kiamba — her estranged husband — and his family had lived on the disputed property in Kangundo/Kilambauni/1203 for more than 30 years. They claimed the land had been wrongly transferred to her without their consent.
In her response, however, the applicants’ sister-in-law, Salome Ndunge Muli, admitted Martha was once married to Onesmus but alleged she separated from him years earlier after a violent domestic dispute. She also told the court that Martha and her children had “stayed away since 2000.”
The magistrate, however, dismissed the bid to revoke Martha’s rights, affirming her as the legal administrator of the estate — a ruling that effectively ended the protracted legal battle.
But instead of peace, the Kiamba family says they are now facing renewed fear. Shortly after the judgment, they claim they stumbled upon a black pot, a heap of ashes, and a paper bearing their names dumped near the disputed land.
“We thought the court ruling would bring closure, but what we found was terrifying. We feel targeted and unsafe,” said Martha Kiamba, flanked by her son Chris.
The family has appealed to authorities for protection and urged investigations into the suspected witchcraft act, warning that their victory in court may have triggered retaliation from disgruntled relatives.
Meanwhile, elders and church leaders in Masewani village have called for urgent cleansing prayers, as residents remain unsettled by what they describe as “dark forces” hanging over the community.
