Two men to face the wrath of the law for being possession of
python’s skin. by Valerie Bunyasi
Two men who were charged before the Bungoma law courts with
the offence of being in possession of government trophy without certificate of ownership
contrary to the Wildlife conservation and management laws of Kenya are
uncertain about their future as they wait for the report from probation officer
to decide whether they face a prison sentence or be give home arrest.
The two; David Kainet Chepkar and Nickson Maywa Talam were
accused that on 31at of March 2011 at Kocholia shopping centre in Teso north
district were arrested by the KWS officers while trying to sell 3 python skins worthy
Ksh. 108,000 street value.
The KWS officers from Kitale were tipped off that 2 men were
trying to sell the government trophies within Malaba in Teso North district.
The officer who posed as buyers confirmed that the accused were in possession
of the python skins that belonged to the African rock type of snakes without
legal documents from authorized officers (KWS).
The African rock python is one of the seven species in the
python genus and although largely feared it rarely kills humans but faces
threats from habitat reduction and hunting.
According to prosecution 4 witnesses who were KWS officers
proved without a doubt that the accused were guilty as they had earlier denied
those charges.
However Chepkar pleaded with the court to be lenient on him
as he had a family that depends solely on him. At the same time Talam pleaded
for forgiveness from the court as he had orphaned kids to take care of. He
added that he was jobless and only depended on jua kali to make ends meet.
In relation to their mitigation the Chief Magistrate Walter
Nyarima requested for the probation report which will determine their fate.
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