A 52-year-old man from Ugunja Sub-county, Siaya County, who killed a python after it attacked and killed his dog, is set to receive government compensation, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed.
Charles Osore, a resident of Luoka Village in Madungu Sub-location, killed the large constrictor snake after it attacked his dog in an incident that later drew national attention. The matter gained widespread publicity after being aired by Citizen TV.
Following the incident, a KWS team led by Grace Kariuki, the Senior Warden in charge of Kisumu and Siaya counties, visited Osore’s home to assess the situation and initiate the compensation process.
Speaking during the visit, Kariuki thanked Osore for cooperating with authorities despite the loss of his dog, noting that the government was committed to addressing cases of human–wildlife conflict.
“We are here to support Mr. Osore and to begin the compensation process. We urge members of the public to report wildlife incidents promptly so that the necessary action can be taken,” Kariuki said.
KWS officials reassured residents that the government would handle the matter and emphasized the importance of using proper reporting channels when dealing with wildlife encounters. The team also pledged to conduct community awareness sessions to educate residents on how to respond safely to wildlife incidents involving animals such as snakes and monkeys.
Osore welcomed the government’s intervention, praising KWS for responding to the community’s concerns. However, he urged the agency to act with speed and efficiency whenever reports of human–wildlife conflict are raised to prevent loss of property or life.
The incident shocked the nation after Osore took both the dead snake and his dog to a local police station in what he described as a protest against the rising cases of human–wildlife conflict in the area.
Area residents, led by Alfred Onyango, expressed gratitude for the visit by KWS officials, noting that the incident had helped them better understand wildlife conservation and the correct procedures for reporting conflicts involving wild animals.
