Snake bit a 12-year old girl killing her several hours later

SAMBURU, KENYA: Tragedy has hit villages in Samburu County after a venomous snake bit a 12-year old girl killing her several hours later.

Tragedy hit villages of South Horr which include Ilaiut, Arisim, Ngurunit region of Samburu North after a killer snake bit and killed the minor.

The girl encountered the killer reptile while tending the family goats in the vast semi-desert region.

The girl, suffering the pain of the poison lied unconscious on the road side before she was picked by good Samaritans who were traveling on a private car and rushed to the South Horr hospital.

Unfortunately, upon arrival at the hospital several hours later, anti-venom drugs could not be found.

She was then transferred to the Baragoi hospital but the venom had spread all over her body and she succumbed to the poison.

Residents are now appealing to the government to supply the health facilities in their area with anti-venom drugs as several cases of snake bites are mostly reported in the area.

Dickson Lemelita family member of the late girl said Kenya Wildlife Service should compensate for the loss of life.

"KWS is aware of the snakes and should advice health ministry to supply the health facilities in the area with anti-venom drugs," Lemelita said.