Residents of Kopiata Beach in Rarieda sub-county expressed relief after authorities successfully captured a rogue crocodile.
According to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Warden for Siaya County Sheila Ochieng, the captured reptile had been terrorizing the community for years. She stated that from 2025 to the present, three people have lost their lives to crocodile attacks in that specific beach area.
Ochieng noted that livestock had also been affected and commended the cooperation of residents, National Government Administration Officers, and the Beach Management Unit (BMU) team, emphasizing that their combined efforts facilitated the reptile’s capture.
The KWS warden explained that several traps had been laid following the series of attacks, mentioning that they opted for this approach after losing three people and had successfully trapped two rogue crocodiles within a two-year period.
One resident, Samuel Okoth, shared his distress, stating: “We have lived in fear for too long. Every time we approach the lake, we question whether we will return alive. We have lost family members and livestock, causing significant heartache for our community.”
Ochieng encouraged community members to continue collaborating with KWS and promptly report sightings through their local leadership. She further advised residents living near rivers and Lake Victoria to remain alert to prevent further attacks.
Speaking to journalists at Kopiata Beach, East Uyoma location Chief Peter Odongo praised the KWS team for their prompt interventions, noting that crocodile attacks had become increasingly prevalent in the area.
Bernard Oketch, representing families who lost loved ones to crocodile attacks at Kopiata Beach, is now appealing to the government for compensation. They argue that the attacks have left them both emotionally and financially devastated. “We have endured significant hardship and deserve support from authorities. Compensation would assist us in rebuilding our lives,” Oketch stated.
The crocodile in Kopiata Beach, Rarieda sub-county, was captured just one day after a 35-year-old woman was killed by a crocodile in neighboring Bondo sub-county.