Stampede as man is found with serpent aboard vessel

Several commuters were injured in a stampede after a man was found with a python at the Likoni crossing channel in Mombasa.

Benedict Fondo, 33, was intercepted carrying a 2.3-metre python.

They python was in a gunny bag.

Police and private security officials manning the screening machines took off after the gunny bag was opened, revealing the snake

Mr Fondo later told police that he was from Mtwapa and was going to deliver the reptile to a man in Diani, Kwale County.

Fondo was yesterday charged with illegal possession of wildlife and pleaded guilty.

The prosecution sought a new date for the mention of the case when it emerged that he goes by the alias Karisa Iha. The name on his national Identity Card is Benedict Karisa Fondo.

Police said they charged him as Karisa Iha following interrogations. That is the name he gave investigators. The officers asked for more time to amend the charge to reflect the correct name.

Yesterday, Kenya Wildlife Services Director for Mombasa County John Wambua said upon interrogation, Fondo claimed the person he was delivering the snake to was licensed to handle animals.

But when contacted, the recipient said he did not know Fondo.