A 52-year-old Charles Osore hailing from Luoka Village in Madungu Sub-Location, Ugunja, Siaya County was all over social media after he killed a python that attacked and killed his dog.
Osore was captured in a viral video caarrying the dead dog and the python on his bicycle seeking help from the relevant authority. In his quest for justice, he claimed the dog was crucial for his homestead security when he is not around. Coming from a remote area where they are constantly afraid of attack from wild animals especially monkeys the dog helps in keeping security. The death of his dog was devastating for him .
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reached out to Osore after the matter came to their attention and started the compensation process.
KWS Senior Warden for Kisumu and Siaya counties Grace Kariuki, commended Osore for taking the dead python to them and assuring him that they will support him.
“We want to thank him for bringing the dead python (trophy) to the government. We want to tell Mr Osore that the government will stand with you,” said Kariuki.
During the filling of the compensation forms at his home, the KWS team promised to start an awareness campaign that will educate the residents on how to respond to wildlife conflicts. They however insisted that they should report such incidents immediately instead of taking matters into their own hands.
As for Osore, he has some relief of knowing better where to report such incidents and also he is hopefully he will be compensated for the loss of his dog, it is just but a matter of time.