Nairobi — Nyakach elders have warned Anglican prelate, Bishop Francis Abiero Mwai, of dire consequences over his stand on Omieri, the 14-foot 'sacred' python.

The elders warned Mwai and the church's priests of dire consequences should they set foot in Nyakach with a view to burning the serpent.

The 40 elders led by their chairman, Mzee John Odongo Okech, secretary John Wasare Ngome, and treasurer Lukio Otula, warned the church against interfering with the snake's natural habitat.

The elders warned Mwai to stop branding the Luo community as devil worshippers.

Speaking during an Environmental Awareness Seminar convened by Institute for Law and Environmental Governance at a Kisumu hotel, the elders challenged the Government to issue a policy on the fate of the python.

"We want the Government to declare its stand on the snake and the Anglican church should stop interference," they said.

Mwai of Maseno South Diocese had called for the immediate relocation of Omieri to the National Museum by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

And Maseno University lecturer, Dr Raphael Kapiyo, asked the church to stop its aggression on the snake.

Meanwhile, a resident of Nyakach constituency yesterday offered a two acre piece of land for the construction of a snake park to preserve Omieri, adds Zablon Odhiambo.

Speaking on behalf of Nyakach Wasare residents where the snake appeared, Festus Ateto called on KWS to expedite the construction of a park in the area.

They denounced Abiero over his threats that he would move to the area and burn the snake.

If Abiero attempts to interfere with the well being of the reptile, he will face the wrath of the community, they said.

Ateto said an organising committee had been set up and was charging adults Sh5 and Sh2 for children to view the snake.

The snake, believed to be a harbinger of good tidings, was discovered on Benta Atieno's compound last month.

Local residents have since been protecting and feeding the revered snake.