The Kisumu County government is gearing up to feature the renowned Omieri snake as the centerpiece of the grand finale of Fish Fiesta 2024.
Farida Salim, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) overseeing Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Marketing, announced that the snake, currently preserved at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi, will make its way to the lakeside city of Kisumu on Wednesday.
In her address in Kisumu on Tuesday, Salim highlighted that the exhibition of the legendary Omieri is poised to revive ancient narratives and the wisdom they carry.
“Omieri serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate harmony between humanity and nature, emphasizing the importance of responsible stewardship towards our environment,” she remarked.
Salim further disclosed that the Fish Fiesta will reach its climax in Kisumu from April 25th to 27th at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground.
This marks the second occasion that the snake will be showcased in Kisumu, following its previous display at the same venue in 2018.
For the past 37 years, the 5.3-meter python, which succumbed to a bush fire in Nyakach Sub County, has been preserved at the Museum.
Ogongo Yano, an esteemed elder from Nyakach, reminisced about Omieri’s positive influence on the community prior to its demise.
“Omieri brought prosperity to our community, blessing us with bountiful harvests, ample rainfall, and other blessings,” Yano reflected.
He lamented the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Omieri’s demise, attributing it to a bush fire, and expressed regret over the snake’s relocation to Nairobi against the wishes of the Nyakach people.
Furthermore, Yano revealed that the community has persistently petitioned the government to repatriate Omieri’s remains and establish a preservation site in Nyakach.
“We aspire to establish a snake park at Omieri’s former habitat to honor its legacy and facilitate its return,” he emphasized.
Yano underscored the community’s commitment by donating a parcel of land for the construction of the snake park, intended to serve as a fitting tribute to Omieri’s significance.
