Mombasa: Man caught trafficking a Python wrapped like a baby handed a 2-year jail term

A Kenyan man in Mombasa who was arrested on Wednesday in possession of a 2.3-meter long python has been fined KSh.2M or serve a 2-year jail term

In the ruling, the Judge noted that the culprit having worked with the Kenya Wildlife Service knew that he required a permit before handling the python.

“I find that the accused, having worked with the KWS ought to have known that a permit was required in such circumstance,” the judgement read.

The 33-year-old Kariha Issa was flagged by a ferry security team after an X-ray scan of his suitcase showed the 10-kg reptile stashed in the travel case.

He was held and transferred to a police station pending his arraignment in court.

He was facing the possession of a wild animal without a permit contrary to Section 95 (c) of the Wildlife Conservation Act charge

Photos that made rounds online showed the snake swathed in a piece of cloth then stashed inside the case which was locked with a tiny padlock.

It is not clear where the man was taking the python although locals claim the reptiles fetch a tidy sum for their skin.