Siaya: Family in Uloma ‘B’ village narrowly escapes python attack

A family in Uloma ‘B’ village, Asango East sub-location in Ugunja, Siaya County, narrowly escaped death Wednesday night when a python slithered into their compound.

Hellen Ouda, who was at home with her children around 9:00 pm, said that the family had just finished eating dinner when their dog began barking persistently.

Suspecting an intruder, she stepped outside only to spot a shiny object in the darkness.

Ouda recounted that when they brought out a solar lamp, they were shocked to see the reptile.

She stated that, together with her mother-in-law and children, they struggled and managed to kill the snake before alerting the local authorities.

The incident sparked panic among residents already grappling with increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict.

Residents said that they now live in constant fear, surrounded not only by snakes but also by leopards and marauding monkeys.

Ouda, who spoke to Radio Ramogi, appealed to the government for help, saying that they cannot leave their children alone at their homes.

One of the neighbors, Pius Okoth, echoed these concerns, describing the situation as a menace.

He said that the pythons, leopards, and monkeys have become a threat to their lives and urged the government to either exterminate or relocate the wild animals.

The area’s Assistant Chief, Kelvin Opondo, confirmed the incident, noting that the woman’s home is near Kisama stream, a perennial water source that has become a habitat for snakes and other wildlife.

He said that human-wildlife conflicts are rampant in the area and also called on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to act swiftly to address the situation.

Meanwhile, Opondo emphasised that residents must remain vigilant. 

The incident has reignited calls for urgent intervention by wildlife authorities to protect communities living near streams and forests in Ugunja, where encounters with dangerous animals are becoming increasingly common.