Businessman Mwai Andiwo has urged government to tackle the constant harassment and intimidation of Kenyan fishermen by Uganda authorities in Lake Victoria.
Andiwo cited fishermen along Uhanya beach in Bondo, Siaya county have been facing continued harassment during their fishing expedition.
“We have received numerous complaints from our fishermen over arbitrary arrest, intimidation and harassment by Uganda authorities. This should stop,” he said.
Andiwo, who is eying to unseat Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, called on the government to swiftly intervene on the matter and ensure safety of fishermen.
He said the invasion by foreign authorities has seen decline in businesses at the beach, with some people forced to close down their shops in fear.
On Sunday, Andiwo visited various beaches and promised to engage the government to ensure fishermen are supported and given maximum protection.
"Fishermen whose fishing gears have been impounded have to part with Sh40,000 to secure their release to enable them continue with business. This is sad and must stop," he said.
Andiwo said Kenyans have the rights to fish in Kenyan waters in Lake Victoria, so long as they use the right fishing gears as directed by the fisheries department.
“We must protect and empower our fishermen because thousands of people depend directly and indirectly on fishing for their livelihoods,” he said.
Andiwo challenged the MP to engage Interior CS Fred Matiang'i to help address insecurity in Kenyan beaches.
He also called for prudent use of CDF money saying projects should be initiated to empower fishermen in the constituency.
Andiwo questioned how a fund which was allocated to provide three fish cages for each school in the constituency was used.
“This was a good idea but we must take stock and see if it has been fully utilized for the benefit of schools and community,” he said.
Andiwo pledged to focus on empowering fishermen, youths and women to make them self-reliant and increase their income.
He said he will also prioritise education infrastructure and streamlining bursary schemes for more beneficiaries.
“My mission is to help transform the education sector in the constituency. If elected, I will increase funding for education,” Andiwo added.
He also targets farming through collaboration with development partners to make Bondo food sufficient.
The constituency, he said, has a huge chunk of land which should be put under serious farming.
Andiwo further urged those who have attained the age of 18 years to acquire IDs and register as voters.
Some fishermen have faulted Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda for neglecting them instead of championing their interests in parliament.
“The MP has failed to table the matter in Parliament to protect them from harassment by the Ugandan Authorities,” one of the fishermen said.
Edited by T. Mutinda
