Renowned Kenyan lawyer Danstan Omari has issued a stark warning to those tempted to use love potions, highlighting the severe consequences under Kenya’s Witchcraft Act (Cap. 67). The law, which is still in effect, criminalises practices that involve witchcraft or the appearance of supernatural powers, especially when they cause fear, injury, or fraud.
Omar emphasises that those dabbling in such acts for romantic gain often overlook the potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Enacted to protect the public, the Witchcraft Act targets anyone claiming to wield supernatural abilities to manipulate others.
Omari, a seasoned advocate known for representing high-profile figures like former President William Ruto and Pastor Ezekiel Odero, notes that using love potions, often marketed as quick fixes for relationship woes, falls squarely under this law.
“If you use a potion to sway someone’s emotions and it causes distress or deceit, you’re not just breaking hearts, you’re breaking the law,” Omari told reporters in Nairobi.
Recent cases in the region show the seriousness of such laws. In Zambia, two men were sentenced to 24 years in prison in 2024 for attempting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema, illustrating how seriously authorities treat such offences.
While Kenya’s penalties are less severe, Omari warns that convictions under Cap. 67 can still lead to a seven-year jail term, with an additional three years possible if fraud or harm is proven.
Omari’s caution comes amid growing reports of love potions being sold in Kenyan markets and online, often disguised as herbal remedies or spiritual aids.
Lawyer Omari Says You Risk 10 Years in Jail for Using Love Potion on Your Partner
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👩🏽⚖️ Kenya’s Witchcraft Act (Cap. 67) is still in effect and it carries tough penalties. Lawyer Danstan Omari explains how the law criminalizes practicing or pretending to practice witchcraft where… pic.twitter.com/ndhKIr9Rd2
These products, peddled by self-proclaimed witch doctors, promise to secure affection or mend broken relationships. However, Omari stresses that the law doesn’t distinguish between genuine belief in witchcraft and fraudulent schemes; both carry heavy penalties if they cause harm or fear.
The lawyer also highlighted the cultural context, noting that, while traditional beliefs persist in some Kenyan communities, the legal system prioritises public safety. “Courts don’t care if you believe in the potion’s power. If it’s used to manipulate or defraud, you’re liable,” he said.
Omari’s firm, Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates, has handled cases involving fraud tied to spiritual practices, further cementing his expertise in this niche legal area.
As Kenyans navigate modern relationships, Omari urges caution against quick-fix solutions that could land users in court. “Love should be won through trust, not tricks,” he said, advising couples to seek counselling over potions to avoid legal trouble.