there is a python update
...snippel $ yum update ... Updating: python i386 2.4.3-24.el5_3.6 updates 5.9 M Installing for dependencies: kernel-PAE i686 2.6.18-128.1.6.el5 updates 15 M snappel...
why does it require kernel-PAE ? manual download and install via $ rpm -Fvh python... worked without the need for another kernel.