Have you ever prayed for your death leave alone the earth to swallow you alive?
I always thought that it was a myth. I have seen many people suffer but death is their last resort perhaps next to impossible.
Yesterday afternoon I was surprised to see a crowd of women at my Nyathuna village which was shouting "tutakuua, tutakuua," 'we will kill you we will kill you'. I hesitated since I didn't know who was being 'killed'. Move! I encouraged myself.
On reaching the scene there was a naked well built young man. He was crying for help but the crowd was ruthless to him.
He received slaps and blows from the agitated women.I learnt that he has been stealing off their back.
"He has stolen all my chickens," said one of the women.
The guy's forty days were due. He begged them, "pray for me now and i will never steal again". However, it was too late because no one was ready to have mercy on him.
The guy is among a gang of three thugs who wait until everyone is gone away from home. They then dash in and steal anything they find around. Their network has good sources thus easing their 'work'. They steal water pumps, chicken, electronics and all easy to carry materials.
The Nyumba kumi initiative has not helped here since when caught, the handling of your case depend on how well known is your family or clan in the area.
Back to the chicken thief, he has God to thank because the area chief happened to be passing along and rescued the poor man. It was death cheat but no one knows it's for how long.