It was only last month when owners of large maize plantations in Trans-Nzoia feared the worst was coming. A large swarm of deadly locusts had been reported heading towards them, wreaking havoc and causing unprecedented losses along the way. Mr. Paul Chirchir was one of them. The last time Locusts hit, he made losses amounting to millions. By the time the locusts were gone, all the leaves had disappeared, leaving behind a ghastly sight of destruction. He was in the middle of spraying his maize with insecticides when the terrible news was delivered by a local officer from the agriculture ministry.
“It’s such a shame that we won’t be able to harvest even a single bag of maize this season. What a waste!! I was so hopeful that this year I would get to finally complete your dowry payment, but fate is playing dirty tricks once more. Am not sure how much I can get from the bank in form of a loan to weather the upcoming storm, I guess I have to pay them an unwanted visit” he told his wife. The crops had not even started flowering yet. He had more than 50 acres, all covered in green. He couldn’t help but curse, knowing the dark fate that is about to befell them.
Paul wasn’t the only one. News about the incoming locust invasion elicited the same reaction as those about the Queen’s passing. All kinds of pleas were issued for the government to intervene, but all they got was a hastened apology letter written in poor grammar and spelling. A dark cloud engulfed Trans-Nzoia, leaving residents scratching their heads for solutions. Eventually, rescue came in the form a native doctor from Vihiga known for casting the strongest protection spells. They called him and asked for his help and he responded by casting powerful protection spells. The swarm of locusts never landed on their plantations but instead just flew by, almost as if nothing was below.
They thanked The traditional doctor or his expertise and praised him for restoring their high hopes of a steamy harvest. Continue Reading
