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Snakes alive!
25/12/2002 17:02 - (SA)
Nairobi - Kenyan bus passengers screamed in panic when a python purchased for use in a magic ceremony ahead of general elections on Friday slithered out of its box, the Daily Nation reported.
The three metre serpent emerged from the baggage compartment when the driver stopped to change a wheel, scaring passengers gathered round the bus and prompting its elderly woman owner to strip naked distress.
In some Kenyan tribes, women may strip naked as a form of protest or curse, especially if the woman is older than the onlookers.
"Its disappearance will end my life before New Year and will affect the outcome of the elections," the Daily Nation quoted the woman as wailing at her fellow passengers.
Supporters of rival candidates have been known to use magic rituals to try and influence voters at elections in Kenya, leading to the annulment of some results on the grounds that witchcraft was used, the Daily Nation said.
The woman, who lost the black serpent about 250km north west of the capital Nairobi on Monday, said she had bought it for 10 000 shillings ($125) to help her younger brother win a civic seat.
President Daniel arap Moi, in power for 24 years, is due to step down at the polls, Kenya's third set of general elections since multi-party polls were introduced under a constitutional amendment in 1991.
- Reuters
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South Africa
