Farmer Kills Python After It Strangled His Pregnant Goat in Kisumu

A man in Kasimori village, Kisumu County, killed a four-metre python on 23 February after it strangled his pregnant goat. 

The python was discovered coiled around the animal in a field, and despite the villager’s efforts to spearing the snake, the goat had already died. Authorities from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) later collected the carcasses for disposal and assured the farmer that he would receive compensation. Officials also stressed the importance of reporting such incidents to ensure both safety and proper compensation procedures.

This incident follows a similar case in Ugunja, Siaya County, where a man named Charles Osore killed a python that attacked his dog. He transported the remains of both the dog and the snake to the local police station, prompting a visit from KWS officials. Osore was also assured of compensation for his loss.

The rising number of confrontations between humans and wildlife in western Kenya has raised concerns about the growing risks of human–wildlife conflict. Increased human settlement and agricultural activity in wildlife habitats are bringing people into closer contact with animals, leading to attacks on livestock and domestic animals.

KWS officials have urged communities to report such incidents promptly, noting that this helps to monitor the frequency and patterns of conflict.