Kenya Wildlife Service rangers in West Nyakach and Kabodho, in Kisumu County, acted with speed and recovered burnt carcasses of pythons from hungry villagers who were salivating for the meat of the dead reptiles.

KWS rangers with the assistance of Upper Nyakach Assistant County Commissioner Dawin Orina who succeeded in wadding off the hungry villagers and took away the carcasses.

Mr Orina confirmed that there had been two separate incidents of killing pythons in the area, which is currently witnessing rising cases of human-wildlife conflict.

The angry villagers from West Nyakach and Kabodho locations in Nyakach Sub-County killed and burnt the carcasses of the two giant pythons that had invaded the remote villages.

West Nyakach Location Chief Seth Agwanda noted that in the first incident, a python had attacked a middle aged man, severing his arm, before it was overpowered and killed by the residents.

The first snake was discovered in Kabodho area by area residents who were ploughing a farm along River Sondu with a tractor. “It seems the tractor’s vibrations caused discomfort, compelling the animal to emerge from its hiding place. Upon spotting it, they called for help, prompting villagers armed with machetes and spears to swing into action,” he explained.

The second incident occurred when a serpent slithered into a homestead in the neighbouring Kadiang’a village. The residents were aroused by incessant barking of dogs. When the occupants of the homestead went out to check, they spotted the giant snake.

“It could have been tragic if the snake had attacked a human being,” Agwanda said.

ACC Orina said the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers were immediately notified and they recovered the burnt carcasses from the hungry villagers who were determined to chop and eat the dead reptiles.

“I urge residents to take KWS safety precautions seriously and promptly report any stray wild animals that pose a threat to human lives or livestock,” ACC Orina said.

Mr Agwanda attributed the backflow of Lake Victoria as a contributing factor to the increase of hippos and snakes in the area.

“Many homes along the lakeshore were vacated due to backflow of the lake, and the wild animals have now turned these houses into their breeding grounds,” the chief lamented.

Nyakach region is a hotspot for giant pythons and other snake species, particularly along the shores of Lake Victoria.

• A Tell / KNA / By Robert Ojwang

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers at the scene where one of the giant pythons was killed by residents in West Nyakach Locations, in Nyakach Sub-County. Photo by Robert Ojwang’