In Kenya, epilepsy is still widely believed to be a curse, a punishment, or the result of witchcraft. These are not fringe beliefs, they are common, deeply held, and passed down through communities. And they cause serious, measurable harm.
People with epilepsy are hidden from neighbours. Children are pulled out of school. Adults lose jobs. Families are excluded from community life. All because of a medical condition that is fully explainable and, in most cases, treatable.
What epilepsy actually is
Epilepsy is caused by sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is not caused by demons, curses, or spiritual failing. It is not contagious. It is not a sign of low intelligence. It does not mean a person is dangerous or unpredictable.
A seizure can look frightening, but understanding what is happening removes the fear. The person is not possessed. Their brain is experiencing a temporary disruption. In most cases, the right response is calm, simple, and learnable in minutes.
Why the myths survive
Misinformation does not survive because people are foolish. It survives because accurate information never reached them. When epilepsy is hidden and never discussed openly, myths fill the silence. When the only explanation a community has ever heard is a spiritual one, that explanation sticks.
This is why education in churches, schools, and community spaces matters so much. Not to shame anyone for what they believed before, but to replace silence with truth.
What you can do
If someone near you holds these beliefs, the most powerful thing is a calm, factual conversation. Share what you know. Correct gently. Point people to organisations like Kiserem that provide free information and support.
Epilepsy is not shameful. It is not spiritual. It is treatable, and the people living with it deserve to be treated with dignity.
Learn more about epilepsy and how to support those affected.