The Kenyan police intercepted a live 13-foot python today at the Namanga One Stop Border Post. They suspect it was a wildlife smuggling attempt.
The Namanga border is a major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania, often used for passenger and cargo traffic.
Officers at the border conducted a routine inspection of a passenger bus traveling from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Nairobi, Kenya. They flagged a suspicious wooden box in the luggage compartment labeled as “motor vehicle spare parts.” This is a common tactic in smuggling to evade detection. 
SEE ALSO: Chinese Man Jailed in Kenya for Trafficking Ants – See Full Details
Upon opening it, they discovered the large live python concealed inside. The bus driver and conductor have been arrested and are in custody at Namanga Police Station for questioning.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the intended recipient or mastermind of the smuggling operation.
The Kenya Police Service announced this on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as a “Snake Smuggling Bust” and emphasising its stance against wildlife crime. It ended the post with: “The bus crew are currently in custody as investigations continue. Wildlife crime? Not on our watch.” They shared photos of the box and the python.
This follows the arrest and prosecution of a Chinese man who was caught trying to traffic ants.
Kenya has strict laws protecting wildlife, enforced by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the police. These laws were created to tackle the smuggling of wildlife for the exotic pet trade, traditional medicine, or other illegal purposes.
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