The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has promised compensation to a man from Siaya County who killed a python that attacked and killed his dog. The incident occurred in Ugunja on December 29, 2025, and the man drew attention by bicycling to the police station with the carcasses of both the snake and his pet.
The startling incident unfolded in Ugunja, Siaya County, on December 29, 2025, when a python attacked and killed a man's dog. In self-defense, the man killed the snake and bicycled to Sigomere Police Station with the carcasses of both animals, capturing national attention.
KWS officials visited the man's home to assess the situation. Senior Warden Grace Kariuki of Siaya County commended him for handling the matter appropriately. "We've come here with my team, because the man was attacked by a python, one of the wildlife species, and that is why we saw it better to come here to support him," Kariuki stated.
She further praised him for returning the python's carcass to the authorities, noting that its skin is considered a trophy and state property. "Because of that, we have come here to support you, and give you the compensation from the government," the warden assured him. The man has been provided with forms to complete for the compensation process.
Kariuki highlighted that KWS employs skilled personnel for snake handling and that captured snakes can be relocated to Ndere Island National Park. Nevertheless, the man voiced concerns over response times, stating he has no quarrel with the government but that they must act faster in emergencies.
KWS continues to urge Siaya residents to report such encounters promptly for professional intervention. Kariuki encouraged using KWS hotlines when facing wild animals, rather than resorting to killing them.