KWS Reacts to Incident Where Man Killed Python for Attacking His Dog

A 52-year-old man from Siaya County, Charles Otieno Osore, trended on social media two days ago after he was spotted cycling while carrying the carcasses of a python and a dog.

The shocking images quickly spread online, drawing attention to a growing human-wildlife conflict in the region.

Following the incident, Osore went to report the matter at Madungu Police Station.

However, police officers there allegedly declared him insane and advised him to seek help at another station.

Determined to be heard, Osore proceeded to Sigomere Police Station, where he formally reported the incident.

A Farmer’s Loss

According to Osore, the python had attacked and killed his dog, which he described as more than just a pet.

“The dog was not only my best friend but also my security assistant. It guarded my farm against destruction by monkeys,” he said.

The loss has left him worried about his livelihood.

“That maize that I harvest, I take it to the market or sometimes to school so my kid can study, so what will I do right now?” Osore posed.

Also Read: KWS Warns Motorists Visiting Parks

How He Killed the Python

Explaining how he managed to kill the snake, Osore said he acted out of self-defence.

“I hit it with a panga. I never hesitated because if you aren’t cautious, then it can kill you too,” he said, adding that this was not his first encounter with such reptiles.

“This is not the first time I’ve done this. I’ve killed three of them; one last year and two this year.”

‘Enough Was Enough’

Osore said the recurring attacks pushed him to take action and seek justice.

“Enough was enough,” he remarked, noting that repeated invasions by pythons and monkeys had made farming increasingly difficult and dangerous.

Also Read: Thousands of Kenyans Suffer as KWS Delays KSh3.5 Billion Wildlife Compensation

KWS Responds

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), through Siaya County Warden Sheila Achieng’, confirmed that the agency has initiated the process of compensation for Osore following the loss of his dog.

However, KWS urged members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands when dealing with wildlife.

The service emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents promptly to allow for proper intervention.

Villagers Demand Action

Meanwhile, residents in the area are calling on KWS to act swiftly to address the rising number of pythons and monkeys invading farms.

Villagers say the animals are destroying crops and posing a threat to human safety, warning that without urgent measures, similar incidents are likely to recur.

The incident has reignited debate on human-wildlife coexistence in rural Kenya, highlighting the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the safety and livelihoods of local communities.

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Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Sign in Nairobi. PHOTO/Dreamtime.