Peter Kiunyu, a 42-year-old man who hails from Ngongogeri village, Njoro, Nakuru county, has defied odds to rear the highly dreaded reptiles – snakes.
According to him, he developed interest in snakes while he was studying in the university. His love for the reptiles made him to source for the reptiles which he rears in his farm.
In his revelation, the Nakuru based farmer shared that two species of snakes have found home in his 2-acre piece of land. He disclosed that he settled bon the land which is situated in Imenti, Ngobit ward after post-election violence.
“I farm onions, cabbages, potatoes, carrots, beans and peas and the availability of water for irrigation attracts snakes into my farm. Since I’m fascinated by them, I try to make them as comfortable as possible while allowing them to remain as wild as they wish,” Kiunyu said.
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He went on to say, “I currently have three resident snakes in my compound and all of them are harmless and non-venomous. I have two spotted bush snakes, Philothamnus battersbyi, and the green harmless snakes that live on my fence feeding on birds, lizards and other arboreal small mammals.”
“I also have the much-talked about brown house snake that lives in a burrow in my back garden feeding on rats, mice and other rodents.”
According to Kiunyu, he does not cage the animals because he is yet to get clearance from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to do so. He shared plans to set up a snake farm once he is cleared by relevant authorities.
Peter Kiunyu – People call me a witch
Peter Kiunyu love for snakes is not without challenges. He shared that neighbors refer to him as a witch for his love for the reptiles.
“I have tried to explain to them that the snakes I keep are not the horrible creatures they are think about, but they are not willing to listen and unlearn.”
