Python Visits Home to Mourn a Snake Handler
By: Tonny Otieno
Posted on Monday, July 12, 2021
The residents of Kampi Samaki, a village in Baringo county were shocked after a python made its way to the home of a snake handler who recently died and was laid to rest on Thursday, July 8th.
It was alleged that the deceased, William Ewoi, was a man who loved snakes and did everything possible to ensure they were protected.
Two days after his burial, the snake appeared out of nowhere and made rounds around his fresh grave and house to pay its “last respects”. According to the villagers, the reptile’s visit appeared to be very specific; it seemed to know exactly what had taken it there and not even the noise from curious onlookers could distract it from its mission.
The snake’s visit was welcomed by the family of the deceased as a sign of good luck in coming days; this following a difficult period of mourning.
Vincent, the late William Ewoi’s son went on to say that his father had anticipated a snake’s appearance before his death. According to him, his father had ‘returned’ home. There is a perception that snake handlers are sorcerous and witches. This is something that Vincent debunked. His father would showcase the snakes to tourists after milking off their venom which would later be sold.
“This is not witchcraft at all because as a family, snakes have been our main source of livelihood. Our father used to trade in them and trained us to feed and domesticate snakes.”
William’s widow Esther Ewoi, added that they were not going to let anyone hurt the visiting python. She also assured her neighbours that they would continue her late husband’s legacy of attending to snake bite victims.
Mr. William Etwoi had previously being recognized and honored by The National Museums of Kenya as a gifted protector of reptiles.
