Chained for Five Months: Kwale Man Rescued from Witchdoctor’s Homestead as Police Probe Illegal Detention

 A 22-year-old man who had allegedly been held in chains for five months at the home of a traditional healer in Kwale County has been rescued by police, sparking outrage and renewed concerns over the treatment of people living with mental health conditions.

The victim, identified as Mwatela Dela, was found confined inside a locked room at a homestead in Mwamanga Village, Bongwe-Gombato, where he had reportedly been taken by family members for treatment after developing a mental health condition.

Police officers, acting on a report filed by the victim’s father, discovered the young man shackled with heavy chains attached to iron bars embedded in the floor. Witnesses described the conditions as distressing, with rescuers forced to use a saw to cut through the chains after keys provided at the scene failed to unlock them.

The dramatic rescue operation lasted more than 30 minutes and drew the attention of local residents and leaders who had gathered at the compound.

The traditional healer, known locally as Dr. Baakanda, denied any wrongdoing and claimed the victim had been brought to him voluntarily for treatment. He alleged that disagreements over payment had complicated the situation.

“The agreed treatment fees were not fully paid. Only part of the amount was settled,” he told authorities.

However, the victim’s father disputed the claims, saying the family had agreed to pay Sh18,000 when they brought their son to the healer in January after being advised by relatives and friends to seek traditional remedies.

“My son had initially been receiving treatment in hospital. We brought him here hoping he would get help, but every time I wanted to take him home, I was told to pay additional money,” he claimed.

The father further alleged that the healer administered herbal remedies prepared from boiled tree bark and other traditional herbs, exposing the patient to the resulting smoke as part of the treatment process.

The discovery has also raised concerns about the welfare of other individuals found within the compound. Several people believed to be undergoing treatment were reportedly present during the rescue operation.

Human rights activist Evans Momanyi called for a thorough investigation into the facility and the treatment of those being kept there.

“People suffering from mental illness deserve care in recognised health institutions under qualified medical professionals. What we witnessed here raises serious human rights concerns,” he said.

Police confirmed that the traditional healer and the victim’s mother were arrested to assist with investigations. Meanwhile, the rescued man was taken to a medical facility for assessment and specialised treatment.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine whether offences relating to unlawful confinement, abuse, or violation of patients’ rights were committed.

The incident has reignited debate over the use of unregulated traditional treatment centres for mental health patients, with calls growing for stronger oversight and greater public awareness about access to professional mental healthcare services.