A 52-year-old man from Siaya County has received a formal pledge of compensation from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Charles Otieno Osore became an internet sensation after a video of him surfaced online. The footage showed him cycling to a police station with the carcasses of a large python and his pet dog.

The incident took place in Luoka Village, located in the Madungu area of Siaya. Mr Osore decided to take action after the massive constrictor invaded his homestead on a Sunday and killed his dog.

The Battle in Luoka Village

For Mr Osore, the loss of his dog was a blow to his livelihood. The dog served as a security guard, protecting his maize farm from destructive monkeys. He often sells this maize to pay for his child’s school fees.

When the snake attacked, Mr Osore chose to fight back using a machete (panga). He described the encounter as a "life-and-death struggle," noting that the snake could have easily killed him if he had been careless.

"I had to face it like a man in a life-and-death struggle."

This was not his first encounter with such predators. Mr Osore revealed that he has killed three pythons already this year.

A Viral Journey for Justice

Determined to seek justice, Mr Osore loaded both the snake and his dead dog onto his bicycle. His initial attempt to report the matter at the Madungu Police Post was unsuccessful. Officers there reportedly dismissed him, suggesting his behaviour was irrational.

Undeterred, he travelled further to the Sigomere Police Station. It was during this journey that onlookers filmed him, leading to the story going viral on social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

KWS Pledges Compensation

Following the public outcry, KWS officials visited Mr Osore at his home. Grace Kariuki, the KWS county warden for Kisumu and Siaya, led the delegation. She confirmed that Mr Osore is eligible for payment because the python is listed in the third schedule of the Wildlife Act.

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"We have come to support you and tell you that the government is here... we will do what is necessary so that you get compensation."

KWS officials provided Mr Osore with the necessary forms to begin the formal claim process. They assured him that he would be compensated just like other victims of human-wildlife conflict.

A Growing Conflict

While KWS is processing the claim, they have urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.

Officials warned that tackling such dangerous animals is a major safety risk. They encouraged the community to use a dedicated hotline to report wildlife sightings to the Siaya station instead.

Residents in the area say the problem is growing. Some locals reported seeing pythons sunbathing with their young in the heat of the day.

Mr Osore noted that while he is grateful for the support, there is a desperate need for more awareness and proactive visits from wildlife officers before tragedies occur.