OCTOBER 12, 2025 – In a bizarre and tragic incident, a recently graduated Standard Seven student, Josiah Mwambene (12), has died after reportedly being pecked on the forehead by a hen during a graduation ceremony.
The boy’s father, Benjamin Makelo, was too overcome with grief to speak in detail, stating only through tears that he believed his son's death was the result of spiritual forces.
Local residents, led by Deo Mkondya, have linked the incident to witchcraft, citing the unusual nature of a hen attacking a human and causing death.
Speaking today, a close relative, Raphaer Mtafya, described Josiah as an exceptionally bright student who received several awards during his graduation last month for academic excellence, including correctly naming African presidents during a quiz segment.
According to Mtafya, the incident began shortly after the graduation celebrations when Josiah returned home. While resting at night, he was suddenly attacked on the face by a hen. He managed to escape and informed his father about the attack. The next morning, the family took him to a prayer session.
Following the prayers, Josiah reportedly began to feel unwell. He was taken to Vwawa Hospital for examination, but doctors found no signs of illness. The following day, he was referred to Mbeya Referral Hospital, where further tests also returned negative.
Despite continued prayers at church, his condition worsened. His eye became swollen and shut, and he began experiencing severe diarrhea, eventually requiring the use of diapers. Tragically, he passed away around 3:00 a.m. today.
“I’m a church elder and a local leader of sub-ward number 2. The boy’s father is a Sunday school teacher, and Josiah was an active choir member with strong knowledge of the Bible. We prayed earnestly, but nothing worked. His death has shocked the entire community,” said Mtafya.
Leonard Mwambene, chairman of the Maendeleo neighborhood, confirmed receiving a call from his assistant about the incident and the child’s deteriorating condition. He stated that Josiah was said to have been attacked by a hen last month, with the family seeking treatment before he eventually died last night.
“This is a deeply saddening and unprecedented event in our area,” said Mwambene. “It’s alarming that a hen, which didn’t even have chicks, could cause someone’s death. I advise parents to limit close interaction with domestic animals to prevent such occurrences.”
Frola Ndamu, the executive officer of Hasanga Ward, confirmed being informed of the child’s death but said she was not initially told the cause or background of the incident.
“Deaths can arise from many causes. It’s possible the child had underlying health issues, and the hen attack may have just been a contributing factor. Ultimately, only God knows the truth,” she remarked.
Songwe Regional Police Commander, Augustino Senga, said the matter had not yet been officially reported to his office but noted that poultry can carry various bacteria. If the child was pecked and a tetanus shot was delayed, it could potentially have led to fatal complications.
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How does this happen to that young boy
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