Residents of Kopiata Beach in Rarieda Constituency, Siaya County, are finally breathing a sigh of relief after successfully killing a massive man-eating crocodile on Sunday.
The dangerous reptile, which had been terrorizing the community for years, was subdued by a group of angry villagers who later mutilated its body for use in witchcraft. Photos | Orphellia Akinyi
The crocodile, responsible for the deaths of two people and the injury of several others over the past two years, had become a source of fear for the local community. In mid-January 2025, the predator attacked a woman who had gone to fetch water, devouring half of her body before fishermen intervened and recovered the remaining remains. The woman was laid to rest last week.
The final encounter with the crocodile occurred earlier today when the reptile, lurking in a trench near Lake Victoria, attempted to attack a farmer. The farmer’s cries for help alerted nearby fishermen and villagers, who quickly rallied to corner the animal on dry land. After an intense hour-long struggle, the residents managed to kill the crocodile using crude weapons.
Local authorities, including the police and administration, confirmed the incident, acknowledging that the crocodile had been a significant threat to the Kopiata community. Following its death, the villagers dismembered the crocodile, with some taking body parts for use in witchcraft practices.
The massive reptile weighed approximately 300 kilograms and measured over eleven feet in length.
This incident highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region, as communities living near Lake Victoria continue to face threats from dangerous animals.
