On June 12, 2017, residents were shocked when a woman attempted to auction an owl so as to feed her hungry children in Kitui County.
The unusual trade brought business to a standstill at Kalundu shopping center for more than four hours after the woman appeared from nowhere holding the owl under her armpits and ready to find a buyer.
Unperturbed by the curious onlookers who had surrounded her, the “trader” spiritedly called for bids starting from Sh250 to the tune of Sh2,000.
She said her children would starve to death unless someone volunteered to buy the bird which she claimed to have reared for years back at her home.
But the “bidders” only placed the bid to tease her as none could dare touch the owl, leave alone purchase it.
Owls, which are mostly solitary and nocturnal birds, are traditionally associated with symbolizing death and as such greatly feared by people.
Not only in Ukambani but by different people, races, and religions.
The "bidders" just gave the lady the money but didn't touch the owl.
She went back home with her owl.
Kitui is the Ukambani's most dry county hence lack of food and water affects many.
#historynow...#bizarre...