This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
On November 4, 2019, residents of Molo Sirwe area in Mogotio Sub-County, Baringo County, took matters into their own hands and captured a massive 14-foot African Rock python after their pleas to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) went unheard.
A seven-man group successfully captured the 100-kg reptile, which had been preying on their livestock, in an exercise that reportedly lasted five hours.
According to Collins Chepkochei, a local who took part in the exercise, they tried not to harm the python as they understood the importance of wildlife conservation.
Willy Chebet, another local, said a majority of them did not have snake-trapping skills and were depending on 'little knowledge' to carry out the risky operation.
After the snake was successfully constrained, a well-wisher offered to transport it to the headquarters of Baringo County Government located in Kabarnet Town, some 100 kilometres away.
However, Governor Stanley Kiptis was not in his office at the time.
