13-foot python captured in Kajiado after swallowing an antelope
The python was first spotted at around 7am and both community members and KWS teams kept track of it as it moved slowly through thick thorny bushes. The capture team arrived on site at approximately 3pm.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has captured a 13-foot python in Lorngosua, Kajiado County, after it swallowed a juvenile lesser kudu.
A lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) is a medium-sized bushland antelope found in East Africa.
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According to KWS Honorary Warden Michael Mbithi, the incident was reported on Sunday mid-morning by the KWS Assistant Director in Kajiado, Mbaka, who raised concern over the python’s vulnerability and the rising tension among locals.
Mbaka noted that the community had grievances, stating they had lost alot of sheep and goats in the area to the big python.
Mbithi said the situation nearly escalated into the killing of the reptile, but the landowner and the area’s SORALO commander intervened and managed to convince the community to spare the snake’s life.
“They stood guard until KWS patrol teams arrived to assess the situation and engage the locals,” he said.
Mbithi, who was in Konza at the time, said he immediately contacted the Snake Park curator, who dispatched an expert snake handler and several supporters.
The python was first spotted at around 7am and both community members and KWS teams kept track of it as it moved slowly through thick thorny bushes. The capture team arrived on site at approximately 3pm.
“We gently captured the huge and very heavy snake, but, as is the norm with snakes when they feel vulnerable after feeding, it regurgitated its meal to escape. True to the report, she had swallowed a juvenile lesser kudu the size of an adult goat,” Mbithi added.
Due to the late hour, ongoing rainfall, and the considerable distance to the nearest safe conservancy, officials decided to move the python to the Nairobi Snake Park for monitoring.
“At the Snake Park, she can be monitored and fed again once she calms down since she expended a lot of energy. After she is fully fit, she can be released in a safe area,” he explained.
A brief baraza was also held with the community after the capture, where locals expressed gratitude for the swift response by KWS, while conservationists lauded the villagers for showing restraint.
“They appreciated the decisive response, and we appreciated that the snake did not have a single scratch on it and that they had been understanding and helpful,” Mbithi said.
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