Kenyan Family Receives Death Threats Through Live Hens Carrying Cryptic Notes
Kisii, 29 April 2026
A family in Kisii County discovered live hens in their compound on consecutive days, each carrying handwritten notes predicting specific death dates for family members. The mysterious deliveries included Damaris’s name with an alleged death date, her daughter-in-law’s predicted demise, and references to ‘First Lady’ and ‘Second Lady’ dying ‘next year’. The notes, written in red ink with her late husband’s name ticked in dark pen, were secured beneath the hens’ wings. Local residents flocked to witness the unusual incident, whilst the family’s pastor advised that whoever placed the hens would return to collect them, highlighting persistent witchcraft beliefs in rural Kenya.
Supernatural Delivery Method Shocks Rural Community
The incident unfolded on 28 April 2026 in Kenyenya, Bomachoge Borabu constituency, when Damaris Joel discovered the first hen in her compound with a note secured underneath its wing [1]. According to a neighbour who witnessed the aftermath, “Two hens had been found in the compound. The incident has really shocked us. Many people have come to witness it” [1]. The delivery method itself represented an unusual escalation in what locals perceive as witchcraft practices, with live animals serving as couriers for threatening messages.
Detailed Threats Target Multiple Family Members
The cryptic notes contained specific and disturbing content targeting the family. Damaris Joel explained the note’s contents: “The note has the names of my late husband; his name is ticked using a dark pen. The rest of the writing is done in red pen. Next, there is my name, in front of it is the date I will allegedly die. Also, there is the name of my daughter-in-law and the date she will allegedly die” [1]. Beyond immediate family members, the notes referenced mysterious figures identified only as ‘First Lady’ and ‘Second Lady,’ who are allegedly destined to “die next year” according to the threatening message [1].
Second Hen Appears Despite Pastoral Intervention
Following the discovery, Damaris contacted Pastor T Mwangi for spiritual intervention on 28 April 2026 [1]. The pastor advised that “whoever placed the hen there would come back to take it,” prompting Damaris to carefully return the first hen to its original location [1]. However, the situation escalated the following morning when her daughter-in-law reported spotting another hen in the identical spot. Damaris confirmed the second delivery on 29 April 2026, stating: “After waking up, praying, and having breakfast, I went to see it. True to her words, there was another hen that had been rained on, and it also had another letter underneath its wing” [1].
Pattern of Supernatural Harassment Emerges
This recent incident represents part of a broader pattern affecting the Joel family, as Damaris revealed that “similar incidents have occurred previously at her home” despite having “no known disputes with anyone” [1]. The case highlights persistent beliefs in supernatural practices across rural Kenya, where traditional worldviews continue to influence community responses to unexplained events [GPT]. Pastor T Mwangi himself has previously encountered alleged witchcraft activities, including an incident in Limuru where “70 alleged witches” reportedly entered his church “dressed in red and green and later attempted to harm his ministry” [1]. These recurring supernatural encounters underscore the complex intersection between traditional beliefs and modern religious practices in contemporary Kenyan society.