Residents of Kopiata Beach in Rarieda Sub-County breathed a sigh of relief after a rogue crocodile was successfully trapped.
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Warden for Siaya County Mrs. Sheila Ochieng’, the captured reptile had been terrorizing the community for years. She said that from the year 2025 to date, they have lost three people to crocodile attacks in that beach alone.
She added that livestock have also been affected and therefore praised the cooperation of residents, National Government Administration Officers, and the Beach Management Unit (BMU) team, noting that their joint efforts is what enabled the capture of the reptile.
She explained that KWS had laid several traps following the spate of attacks, noting that they opted to lay traps after losing three people and have so far managed to trap two rogue crocodiles within two years.
One of the residents, Mr. Samuel Okoth, lamented the ordeal, saying: “We have lived in fear for too long. Every time we go to the lake, we wonder if we will come back alive. We have lost family members and livestock, and it has been heartbreaking for our community.”
Mrs. Ochieng’ has therefore encouraged the community members to continue cooperating with KWS and report sightings promptly through their local leadership.
She further cautioned residents living near rivers and Lake Victoria to remain vigilant to prevent more attacks.
She was addressing journalists at Kopiata Beach where the Chief of East Uyoma location Mr. Peter Odongo commended the KWS team for their swift interventions, saying that crocodile attacks had become very rampant in the area.
Benard Oketch, one of the families of those who lost loved ones to crocodile attacks at Kopiata Beach are now calling on the government to compensate them.
They argue that the attacks have left them devastated both emotionally and financially.
“We have suffered greatly and deserve support from the authorities. Compensation would help us rebuild our lives,” said Oketch
The crocodile at Kopiata Beach in Rarieda sub-county has been trapped just a day after a 35-year-old woman was killed by a crocodile in neighboring Bondo Sub-County.
