NAIROBI,
Kenya — The mistaken belief that albino body parts have magical powers
has driven thousands of Africa's albinos into hiding, fearful of losing
their lives and limbs to unscrupulous dealers who can make up to
$75,000 selling a complete dismembered set.
Mary Owido, who lacks pigment that gives color to skin, eyes and
hair, says she is only comfortable when at work or at home with her
husband and children.
"Wherever
I go people start talking about me, saying that my legs and hands can
fetch a fortune in Tanzania," said Owido, 36, a mother of six. "This
kind of talk scares me. I am afraid of going out alone."
Since 2007, 44 albinos have been killed in Tanzania and 14 others
have been slain in Burundi, sparking widespread fear among albinos in
East Africa.
At least 10,000 have been displaced or gone into hiding since the
killings began, according to a report released this week by the
International Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies.
East Africa's latest albino murder happened in Tanzania's Mwanza
region in late October, when albino hunters beheaded 10-year-old Gasper
Elikana and chopped off his leg, the report said. The killing left
Elikana's father, who tried to defend his son, seriously injured.
Albinism is a hereditary condition, but occurs only when both
parents have albinism genes. All six of Owido's children have normal
skin color.
African albinos endure insults, discrimination and segregation
throughout their lives. They also have a high risk of contracting skin
cancer in a region where many jobs are outdoors.
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