Africa-Press – Kenya. A farmer in Luoka Village, Sigomere ward in Siaya county has recounted a terrifying encounter with a python that killed one of his dogs, raising fresh concerns over rising human-wildlife conflict in rural villages.
The man, identified as Charles Otieno, said the incident occurred as he went about his normal duties within his homestead when he heard unusual noise coming from his farm.
“I heard my poultry making distress sounds. I sent one of my dogs to check what was happening, but moments later, I heard intense barking as the noise grew louder,” he narrated.
As he moved closer to investigate, Otieno said one of his dogs suddenly ran back towards him in panic.
“When I met the dog halfway to see what the problem was, I saw a huge snake following it,” he said.
He noted that the snake opened its mouth wide as if it was about to attack him.
“My life was in danger; it was either the snake or me,” he said.
Armed with a machete, Otieno added that he was forced to confront the python to protect his remaining animals.
By the time the struggle ended, one of his dogs lay dead.
“I was very angry when I saw my dog had been killed and my life at risk. That is what pushed me to kill the python,” he said.
According to Otieno, the snake had been terrorising residents in the village for a long time.
“This is not the first time. This python has been a thorn in the flesh of this village. It not only attacks chickens but also goats and sheep,” he said.
He linked the loss of his dog to broader challenges farmers face, including crop destruction by monkeys.
“The President told us that those with land should focus on farming instead of looking for blue-collar jobs. But our farms are not safe. Monkeys are a big problem in my maize farm, and it is my dogs that help chase them away,” he said.
Otieno questioned how he would now cope after losing one of his dogs.
“We cannot kill monkeys, so our dogs help us chase them away. Now, pythons are killing our dogs. Should I stop farming? We need help with these wild animals,” he added.
After killing the snake, which he said measured between three and four feet long and was almost his height, Otieno transported both the dead python and his dog to Sigomere Police Station after officers at Madungu Police Post allegedly declined to listen to him.
“At Sigomere, they initially did not want to receive me. It was only after locals intervened that I was allowed to report,” he said.
However, Otieno claims police officers were unable to record his statement, saying they were waiting for officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
He was instead given a store to keep the dead snake and dog.
“I was told to go home and wait for feedback. When I returned on Sunday, I was told that KWS officers had already taken both the snake and my dead dog to their Siaya offices,” he said.
Police later advised him to follow up on the matter with KWS in Siaya, but Otieno said financial constraints have made this difficult.
“With the current harsh economic times, I cannot afford to travel to Siaya and back. It would cost me close to Sh500,” he said.
He further claimed that some community members have warned him against visiting KWS offices, saying he risks arrest for killing a protected animal.
Otieno is now calling on authorities to urgently address the human-wildlife conflict in the area before more livelihoods are lost.
