Siaya Man Explains Why He Killed Python and Took It to Police on a Bicycle

A man from Siaya County has spoken out after killing a python that attacked his homestead, saying he acted out of fear and anger after the snake killed his dog and threatened his life.

Charles Otieno, a farmer from Luoka Village in Sigomere Ward, said the frightening incident happened as he went on with his normal work at home. He became suspicious after hearing strange noises coming from his farm.

“I heard my chickens making alarm sounds. I sent one of my dogs to check, but shortly after, the barking became very intense,” Otieno said.

Moments later, the dog ran back towards him in panic. That is when he noticed a large snake chasing it.

“When I moved closer, I saw a huge python following my dog. It opened its mouth and came towards me. At that moment, I knew my life was in danger,” he said.

Fearing for his safety and that of his animals, Otieno grabbed a machete and confronted the snake. By the time the struggle ended, one of his dogs had already been killed.

“I was very angry. My dog was dead, and my life had been threatened. That is why I decided to kill the python,” he explained.

Otieno claimed the snake had been troubling residents in the area for a long time, attacking poultry and livestock such as goats and sheep.

“This python has been a problem in this village for many days. It has been killing chickens and other animals,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the challenges farmers face due to wildlife interference. According to him, monkeys frequently destroy his maize farm, and dogs help scare them away.

“We are told to focus on farming, but our farms are not safe. Monkeys destroy crops, and now pythons are killing our dogs. How are we supposed to survive?” he asked.

After killing the snake, Otieno tied both the dead python and his dog onto his bicycle and rode to Sigomere Police Station to report the matter. He said officers at a nearby police post initially ignored him.

“At Sigomere Police Station, they first refused to listen to me. It was only after villagers intervened that they allowed me to report,” he claimed.

However, Otieno said police did not record his statement immediately, saying they were waiting for officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). He was asked to store the dead animals at the station.

Later, he was informed that KWS officers had taken both the python and the dead dog to their offices in Siaya.

Police advised him to follow up the matter with KWS, but Otieno said he lacks the money to travel.

“Going to Siaya and back would cost me about Sh500, which I cannot afford right now,” he said.

He also claimed some villagers warned him that visiting KWS offices could land him in trouble for killing a protected animal.

Otieno is now appealing to the government and wildlife authorities to address the rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in rural areas before more people lose their animals or lives.

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