UKUNDA, Kwale—A 22-year-old man was rescued by police in Ukunda, Kwale County, after he was allegedly found chained at the home of a traditional healer where he had reportedly been confined for nearly five months.
The rescue operation was carried out by police officers following information received from local activists and community members, leading to the man’s removal from the homestead of a traditional healer identified by residents as “Baakanda” in the Mwamanga area of Ukunda.
According to a statement issued by the Capital Youths Association, the victim had allegedly been held in what the organisation described as a suspected safe house after being taken there for treatment.
The association commended the swift intervention of officers from the Diani Police Station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Msambweni for facilitating the rescue.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the man was taken to the traditional healer’s residence in January this year after developing mental health-related challenges.
Speaking after the rescue, the victim’s father, Mwatela Dele, said he had entrusted his son to the healer for treatment following an agreement that involved a payment of Sh18,000.
“I handed over my son to the traditional healer together with his grandmother after we agreed on a treatment fee of Sh18,000,” he said.
Witnesses alleged that the young man was found chained with metal restraints secured by a padlock to iron bars fixed to the floor. He was reportedly seated on a wet concrete surface and had no clothing when rescuers arrived.
Authorities have not independently verified all the circumstances surrounding the alleged confinement, and investigations remain ongoing.
DCI Msambweni officer Muunga Muli confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, including the victim’s mother and the traditional healer.
“The suspects are in custody as investigations continue to establish the full circumstances of the matter and determine the charges that may be preferred,” the officer said.
The rescued man was taken to hospital for medical assessment and treatment.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over the treatment of people living with mental health conditions and the use of unregulated traditional healing practices in some communities.
The Capital Youths Association urged the public to report suspected cases of unlawful confinement, abuse, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals to the relevant authorities.
Police said investigations are ongoing and appealed to anyone with information that could assist the inquiry to come forward.
