Family abandons home after mysterious snakes invaded their house

  Some of the snakes that were killed and burnt after they invaded a home at Kadongo Village near Kisian Junction in Kisumu County. PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA/STANDARD

A family in Kisumu county's Kadongo village has abandoned their home after mysterious snakes invaded their house, causing fear in the entire village.

Six members of Tobias Agala's family have had to spend three nights in a lodging at Kisian market for fear of the snakes, which they now link with black magic.

Mr Agala yesterday told journalists that the snakes started appearing on Sunday, a day after a member of the village threatened him after a disagreement.

He said he had been drinking with the suspect in a nearby bar when they clashed and exchanged bitter words, prompting the man to threaten him.

The man then proceeded to Agala's home, where he told his mother that her son had exhibited lack of respect, so he will teach him a lesson.

BITTER EXCHANGE

"We exchanged some bitter words, since both of us had taken alcohol. He threatened to teach me a lesson. I thought the exchange would not get this far," said Agala.

Things, however, went out of hand when Agala met a five-feet-long snake coiled at a corner inside his house. He raised alarm and killed the snake before setting it ablaze outside the compound.

When a similar snake appeared in the house the following day, Agala started suspecting the threats he had received the previous day.

On Tuesday, a similar snake appeared in the house and when Agala raised alarm, it disappeared, with residents launching a search in the compound.

Even though no one was harmed by the snake, Agala's family deserted their home and sought refuge at a neighbour's house. The next day they spent the night in a lodging.

"Every time we are alone in the house, a snake appears, but when we raise alarm, it disappears. I managed to kill two before people came to the compound," said Agala.

RELIGIOUS INTERVENTION

Yesterday, villagers kept vigil at Agalas' home the better part of the day, but the snakes did not appear.

Agala invited John Deya of the Roho Church, to pray for his family and home before returning.

"As a man of God we will continue praying in this compound but we request that we find a way of bringing together Agala and the suspect, so that they can forgive one another," said the cleric.