- However, Homa Bay Beach Management Unit Network (BMUN) chairman Edward Oremo said the network does not interfere with BMU management.
- The network, he says is not a signatory to management of any BMU.
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A group of Homa Bay MCAs want the county beach management unit network disbanded on grounds that the organisation exists unlawfully.
The network exists from ward, subcounty and the county levels.
Chairman of the county assembly Trade committee Philemon Onditi, Rusinga MCA Okuku Miregi, Lambwe MCA Paul Adika and his West Karachuonyo counterpart John Njira said the network is not anchored in any law.
Miregi argued that the only fishermen’s organisation recognised by the law is the Beach Management Unit.
In a statement to journalists on Tuesday, Miregi said the law states that each BMU should work independently from control by another fishermen’s body.
“The law only recognises BMU which should operate independently. A beach should work without control of another fishermen’s organisation,” he said.
Onditi said interference with the BMUs will affect the county’s revenue generation.
“People may quit a beach if they feel there is interference with the BMU,” he said.
The lawmakers told the Fisheries executive Aguko Juma to disband the network in seven days.
“We are asking Juma to act with speed and disband this network,” Njira said.
The MCAs said they will seek legal redress if action is not taken promptly.
Adika warned that the electioneering period may lead to creation of many illegal organisations purporting to control fishermen or any other sectors.
“I urge the county government to be on the lookout to restrain such people,” he said.
When contacted, Juma said his office will investigate the claims before taking appropriate action.
However, Homa Bay County Beach Management Unit Network chairman Edward Oremo said the network does not interfere with BMU management.
“The network is not a signatory to management of any BMU,” Oremo said.
He said the BMU network is registered but they are working on it so that it can be anchored in the law.
“The process of including the network in the law is underway but we are registered and our election was conducted by the county fisheries department,” Oremo said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)