Shock and curiosity gripped residents of Sigomere in Ugunja, Siaya County, after a man walked into a local police station carrying the carcass of a large python, claiming it had killed his dog moments earlier.
According to the man, the incident occurred within his homestead, where the python allegedly attacked and strangled his dog before attempting to retreat into nearby bushes.
He told police that the dog’s distress alerted him, prompting a desperate response as he rushed outside only to find the reptile coiled tightly around his pet.
In what he described as an act of self-defence and protection of his property, the man said he killed the snake after a brief struggle, fearing it could pose further danger to his family.
After confirming the dog had died, he decided to take the python’s body to the police station, seeking to formally report the incident and avoid possible accusations of illegal wildlife killing.
Officers at the station confirmed receiving the report, noting that such cases are rare but increasingly reported in parts of western Kenya bordering wetlands and bushy areas.
Police said they documented the matter and notified relevant wildlife authorities, as pythons are protected species under Kenyan law and incidents involving them require official handling.
Residents who gathered at the station expressed mixed reactions, with some sympathising with the man’s loss, while others voiced concern over growing human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Several locals claimed snake sightings have become more frequent, especially during rainy seasons, when reptiles are displaced from their natural habitats by flooding and search for food near homes.
Community elders urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking matters into their own hands, warning that killing protected animals can attract serious legal consequences.
They called on authorities to intensify public awareness on how to respond safely when encountering wildlife, including reporting incidents promptly instead of resorting to violence.
Wildlife experts say pythons rarely attack humans but may prey on domestic animals, particularly dogs and goats, if they wander close to bushes or riverbanks where snakes hide.
They advise residents to secure homesteads, clear overgrown vegetation, and keep pets indoors at night to reduce the risk of such encounters.
The incident has reignited debate on the need for better coordination between local communities, county governments, and wildlife agencies to manage rising conflict cases.
Siaya County officials have previously acknowledged challenges posed by wildlife migration, especially near Lake Victoria and surrounding wetlands that serve as natural reptile habitats.
Police reiterated that investigations will focus on documenting the circumstances, with wildlife officers expected to assess the situation before any further action is taken.
As calm returned to Sigomere, the bizarre episode left residents shaken, serving as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human settlements and the wild environment surrounding them.
