13-foot python intercepted at Namanga border aboard Nairobi-bound bus

A wildlife smuggling attempt was stopped at the Kenya–Tanzania border after officers intercepted a 13-foot python hidden inside a box on a passenger bus.

The Kenya Police Service said the snake was discovered during a routine inspection at the Namanga One Stop Border Post.

In a statement on X, police said, “A 13-foot python has been intercepted at the Namanga One Stop Border Post, hidden inside a box disguised as spare parts.”

The reptile had been ferried on a Dar es Salaam–Nairobi bus, raising concerns over the use of public transport in trafficking attempts.

Snake Smuggling Bust at Namanga

A 13-foot python has been intercepted at the Namanga One Stop Border Post, hidden inside a box disguised as spare parts.

The reptile was discovered by hawk eyed officers during a routine search on a Dar es Salaam–Nairobi bus.

The bus crew are… pic.twitter.com/S0wfdID6GP

— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) April 22, 2026

Officers became suspicious during the standard check and opened the package, leading to the discovery.

“The reptile was discovered by hawk eyed officers during a routine search on a Dar es Salaam–Nairobi bus,” the statement added.

Photos shared by police showed the large python being handled by officers, alongside the metallic box used for concealment.

Pythons are non-venomous constrictors found across sub-Saharan Africa and are frequently targeted in the illegal wildlife trade for skins, meat, and the exotic pet market.

A snake of that size, about 13 feet, is likely an adult removed from the wild, an act that can disrupt ecosystems where large snakes help regulate rodent populations.

The Namanga border remains a key transit corridor between Kenya and Tanzania and a known hotspot for smuggling attempts.

Authorities have stepped up inspections in recent years amid rising cases involving wildlife trafficking.

The bus crew and any individuals linked to the attempt are under investigation to establish the source and intended destination of the python.

The reptile is expected to be handed over to wildlife authorities for care and possible reintroduction into its natural habitat.