Thirty six fishermen who were detained after a Kenyan fisherman was shot dead by Ugandan authorities in Lake Victoria have been released unconditionally.
The fishermen from Suba North and Suba South constituencies in Homa Bay were arrested near Ringiti Island on Thursday.
The Ugandan security officers took them to Lolwe Island and detained them over alleged trespass during fishing in the lake.
More than seven canoes and fishing gear were also confiscated by the security officers.
Homa Bay county commissioner Moses Lilan said the fishermen were released following negotiations between Kenyan security officials and their Ugandan counterparts.
Kenyan officials were sent to Uganda for the talks. The delegation comprised of national government administration officers, police and beach management unit officials.
Lilan said fishermen were brought back to Homa Bay on a police lorry and alighted in Mbita town Saturday morning.
Their boats will be transported later.
Lilan said release of the fishermen was the beginning of the cooperation they want to have with Ugandan officials in manning security in Lake Victoria.
“There is need for closer working relationship between us and Ugandan authorities. The meeting we will be holding should ensure we address issues affecting our fishermen in the lake,” Lilan said.
Arrest of the fishermen came at a time when a Kenyan fisherman identified as Okinyi Nguka was shot dead by Ugandan security officers in Lake Victoria near Ringiti Island on Thursday morning and his body thrown in the lake.
Nguka’s murder and arrest of the fishermen caused protests in Remba Island and Sindo town.
