A Kilifi court has sentenced a father and his son to one year in prison each after they admitted assaulting a woman over a false claim that she had caused the son’s genitals to disappear through witchcraft.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Benson Ngala Daniel, 49, and his 19-year-old son, Ruphus Chai Ngala, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm contrary to Section 251 of the Penal Code. The two were sentenced by Kilifi Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike.

The court heard that the incident occurred on July 5, 2026, in Mdangarani village, Kauma Sub-county, when Ruphus encountered Asha Samini while walking home from his farm. After exchanging greetings, he claimed he felt a cold sensation and alleged that the woman had made his genitals disappear.

He called his father, who rushed to the scene, and the two assaulted Asha while accusing her of witchcraft, drawing a crowd that joined in the attack. Police later escorted Ruphus to a health facility, where medical examination confirmed that “his genitals were intact and functioning well.”

The complainant sustained serious injuries, including a fractured hand, and was treated at Kilifi County Hospital. The prosecution told the court that she continues to suffer urinary tract complications as a result of the assault.

While delivering the sentence, Magistrate Wasike condemned the attack, saying the accused had reinforced “a false narrative that endangers lives.” She further warned against mob justice, noting, “Cases of this nature have caused people to lose their lives, health, and property.”

The court ordered that Asha continue receiving treatment at Kilifi County Hospital and directed the Department of Gender to provide her with psychosocial support.

The prison sentences took effect from July 7, 2026. The two convicts were also informed of their right to appeal the conviction and sentence within 14 days.