On October 5 2025, a woman claiming to be a restaurant owner at Bao Beach in Seme, Kisumu County, and a man describing himself as a frequent guest at her eatery, appeared on a local television bulletin, publicly declaring that they eat the white Ibis.
Their startling revelation sparked a wave of mixed reactions across the country since, ordinarily, the wild bird is not eaten by humans. While a segment of Kenyans took to social media to ridicule and condemn the people of Seme, others lauded the act as resourceful and bold.
Once a symbol of elegance and tranquillity, the ibis – with its snow-white feathers and striking black-tipped wings – had graced Bao Beach with a quiet dignity. Its presence painted the shoreline with life and serenity. But now, that beauty has given way to controversy, turning the beach into a stage of public scrutiny and satire.
Known locally in Dholuo as ng’a ng’a , owing to the sound it produces, the white ibis has reportedly become an alternative delicacy in the area, following a sudden shortage and rising cost of chicken.
At some local eateries, a serving of ibis meat accompanied by ugali reportedly costs as little as Sh200, markedly cheaper than the Sh350 typically charged for chicken.
“Ng’a ng’a is very tasty. It produces its own fat, is easily accessible and quite affordable for us. Some even believe it has medicinal properties,” says Grace Odhiambo, a fish trader at the beach.
To Damaris Okuro, any attempt to deter them from consuming the wild bird is perceived as a denial of a newly discovered culinary delight. With dwindling resources and a rising cost of living, many residents consider the ibis a practical alternative to more expensive protein sources.
For anyone visiting the sun-kissed shores of Kisumu County, spotting the white ibis walking with an air of quiet majesty, its slender, curved, long beak probing the sands for tiny fish and crustaceans, is a common sight.
On the sun-kissed shores of Kisumu County, the white ibis is a common sight.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Despite stern warnings from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) that continued consumption of the ibis could threaten conservation efforts and damage tourism at nearby Ndere Island National Park, some locals insist they have no choice.
“KWS doesn’t want us to eat this bird because they fear its numbers will decline drastically,” says Ms Okuro.
The Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013 mandates the protection, conservation and sustainable use of wildlife in Kenya, including wild birds. While the white ibis is not considered globally threatened, its populations have declined in some regions – particularly in the United States – where it is listed by conservation bodies as a ‘Species of Special Concern’ due to habitat degradation and human interference.
However, not everyone at Bao Beach shares the same appetite for the bird. For some residents, the idea of hunting, killing and frying the ibis is not just distasteful – it is deeply upsetting. The rapid spread of the news has, in their view, brought unwelcome attention to the community.
Some local young women now fear that the notoriety may cost them potential suitors from other regions.
Reduced to eating wild birds
“When the story broke, some men said they could never marry women from this area, fearing they’d be served the wild bird instead of chicken during family visits. This is heartbreaking, especially since women here are known for their culinary skills,” said Quinter Auma.
She urged residents to consider the long-term impact of their words, especially when speaking to the media.
“Some people get excited when they see a camera and don’t realise the weight of their statements. Businesses may be forced to shut down because of what was said,” she warned.
Elders of the community are equally incensed. For them, the public declarations have not only damaged their reputation but also warrant reprimand, perhaps even a traditional curse.
“We are people of the lake, blessed with abundant natural resources. Our beach is renowned for fish, which is our staple. We cannot allow ourselves to be reduced to eating wild birds,” said Kennedy Omondi Ochieng, the secretary of the Bao Beach Management Unit (BMU).
He further stated that the BMU would take disciplinary action against members who have brought ‘shame’ to the community’s name.
Unfortunately, those consuming the bird now face not just community backlash, but also potential legal and health consequences.
Kisumu County Director of Public Health, Dr Fredrick Oluoch, warned that consuming the white ibis violates the Meat Control Act, Cap 356, which classifies and regulates edible animal products in Kenya.
“The white ibis is not among the animals listed as edible under the Meat Control Act. Therefore, selling or consuming its meat is unlawful. We shall take legal action against those involved, under the Public Health Act, the Food Safety Act 2013, and the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, Cap 254 – especially if the meat is passed off as chicken or otherwise adulterated,” said Dr Oluoch.
The Act lists bulls, hens, cows, chickens, heifers, turkeys, calves, geese, oxen, ducks, sheep, guinea fowls, goats, pigeons and pigs as lawful for consumption. Poultry is defined as birds that are domesticated and considered edible.
“Consuming such wild meat exposes humans to zoonotic diseases, ailments that transfer from animals to human, such as swine flu, Ebola, Marburg and Rift Valley Fever,” he warned.
Perched atop anchored boats, their feathers shimmering against the azure skies, the ibis has for a long time stood as a symbol of grace and harmony.
To the fishermen of Bao Beach, its presence signals more than beauty; it heralds the promise of a good day’s catch.
But today, the once-revered ibis has become a symbol of something more complicated: survival, desperation and the tensions between tradition, modern hardship and environmental responsibility.
