Snake in Pastor’s Bag Sparks Panic at Bungoma Police Station
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Panic gripped Bungoma County on Tuesday when police officers were left stunned after a live cobra was found hidden inside a gunny bag belonging to a man claiming to be a pastor.
The drama unfolded in the Kanduyi area during routine patrols when officers stopped a motorcycle carrying 38‑year‑old Nahason Atela — who introduced himself as a pastor — and his young associate, 23‑year‑old Emmanuel Maloba. The pair, both residents of Koyonzo Village in Kakamega County, were headed toward a church in Bukembe, police said.
After being escorted to Bungoma Police Station for further questioning, officers searched their belongings and were shocked to discover a live forest cobra, about 2.5 metres long, concealed in a white bag. The venomous snake was kept inside an old net the men carried with them on the motorbike.
The Standard
The serpent’s presence triggered chaos at the station as officers and visitors recoiled in fear, prompting police to call in wildlife specialists. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel responded swiftly and safely removed the cobra, later transporting it to the Kitale Museum for identification and secure custody.
The Standard
Bizarre Explanation and Alleged Ritual
When questioned, the self‑styled pastor offered a strange explanation: he claimed that a divine vision revealed a “demonic snake” buried at the corner of Maloba’s parents’ homestead. According to Atela, he dug at that spot with a hoe and miraculously unearthed the cobra, which he then placed in the bag.
The duo told officers they intended to conduct a ritual — including a burnt sacrifice of both the snake and a sheep — at a prayer site. Maloba’s parents had allegedly paid for the sheep, they said.
Legal and Safety Implications
Police detained both men and said they would investigate possible charges related to the illegal transport and possession of a highly venomous wildlife species in violation of Kenya’s wildlife conservation laws. Handling and transporting protected wildlife without a valid permit is a criminal offence under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.
Authorities also highlighted the danger of carrying such an aggressive snake on a public road, where any escape or bite could have had fatal consequences.
Community Reaction
Locals expressed disbelief at the bizarre incident, with some torn between amusement and serious concern for public safety. Many questioned how a deadly cobra could be transported across county lines without detection, while others urged communities to be wary of self‑styled healers whose methods endanger lives.
The Star