Belief in Witchcraft and its Effects on the Stability of Families in Mosocho Divison, Kisii County, Kenya
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Date
2024-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the belief in witchcraft and its effects on the
stability of families in Mosocho Division, Kisii County which has persisted to exist.
The study was guided by three objectives; First, to establish various forms of
witchcraft and their influence on family stability in Mosocho Division, Kisii County,
second, to investigate types of punishment meted out on suspected witches and how
they affect family stability in Mosocho Division, Kisii County and finally, to explore
effects of belief in witchcraft on the stability of families in Mosocho Division, Kisii
County. This was achieved by reviewing a number of published and unpublished
materials based on the objectives. It was realized that various scholars have not
addressed the belief in witchcraft and its effects on the stability of families. The study
was guided by Marwick (1967) Theory of Social Accusation which argues that
witchcraft accusations and allegations lead to social tension and hence breaks family
relationships. The study applied descriptive survey research design conducted in
Mosocho Division, Kisii County. Data was collected from Mosocho Division, Kisii
County which comprises of seven locations. Data from respondents was collected
through questionnaires and interviews. Pretesting of the questionnaires was
undertaken to establish their reliability and validity. Proportionate and purposive
sampling methods were used to collect data from a sample of Kisii elders, local
government administration officials (chiefs and sub-chiefs), human rights activists and
youths, that included both male and female participants with a total sample size
consisting of 394 respondents. The respondent’s age, gender and period of residence
were significant determinants. The collected data was analysed using Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 involving descriptive statistics for
quantitative data. Qualitative data was analysed through content and thematic analysis
aimed at consolidating thematic issues. The findings revealed that there was a wide
array of witchcraft forms in the study area; and that inherited or family witchcraft was
the most commonly practiced. Additionally, enmity, divorce, school dropout,
development of mental health conditions, displacement and loss of property were the
most detrimental effects of witchcraft in Mosocho Division. Moreover, the findings
indicated that belief in witchcraft influences the stability of families. It is hoped that
these findings through its recommendations will enable the community and local
administration to come up with strategies and a platform that provide an opportunity
for creating a more unified social order, based on family unity, and a more
accommodative society devoid of witchcraft or its effects.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts (Religious Studies) Kenyatta University November, 2024
Supervisors:
1.. Michael Katola
2.. Julius Gathogo