A 34-year-old man from Tororo District has left residents stunned after hunting, killing and eating a venomous cobra snake as part of his birthday celebration.
Kenneth Odiom, a resident of Kwapa Central Village in Tororo District, reportedly decided to turn the tables on the giant serpent after it repeatedly preyed on his chickens.
According to villagers, the cobra had become a persistent menace, frequently snatching chickens from Odiom’s compound before retreating to an anthill nearby, where it would consume its catch.
Frustrated by the losses, Odiom launched a mission to eliminate the snake. He reportedly dug up the anthill where the cobra lived and used smoke to force it out of its hiding place. Once the snake emerged, he killed it, severed its head and prepared it for cooking.
Witnesses said Odiom immersed the snake in boiling water before removing its skin. He then chopped the meat into pieces, deep-fried it and served it as the main dish during his birthday celebration.
The unusual feast attracted dozens of curious villagers, many of whom watched in disbelief. Residents said eating snake meat is virtually unheard of in the area, making Odiom’s actions a major talking point within the community.
Odiom, who works as a transporter, is believed to have developed an interest in eating snake meat during his travels to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, where the practice is more common in some communities.
After enjoying the meal, Odiom reportedly washed it down with a glass of juice and a bottle of beer.
Experts note that while some snake species are consumed in various parts of the world, caution is advised because not all snakes are safe to eat. Cobras are venomous, meaning they inject toxins through bites, but they are not considered poisonous when properly prepared and cooked, making their meat edible under certain conditions.
The incident has since sparked widespread discussion among residents and on social media, with many expressing surprise at Odiom’s unconventional choice of birthday meal.
