Criminals could be hiding in Lake Victoria to perpetuate crime on fishermen, Homa Bay county commissioner Moses Lilan has said.
There have been cases of attacks on fishermen during expeditions in the lake with the latest one happening last Sunday. A fisherman identified as Michael Juma was killed.
Juma drowned after he was attacked by his colleagues who accused him of trespass and illegal fishing at Ndhuru beach in Suba North.
His friends reported that Juma was hit on the head with a paddle, slipped into the lake and drowned.
On Wednesday, Lilan said they have launched investigations into the rising conflicts among fishermen.
More than seven fishermen are nursing injuries due to attacks by the self-proclaimed lake protectors at Litare and Ndhuru beaches.
“The men have put illegal boundaries in the lake and attacked others in the name of protecting the lake. We’re pursuing them because it’s now becoming a criminal activity which is outlawed,” Lilan said.
It is reported that the group is growing in number as they try to operate on different beaches.
They started in Litare beach in Rusing Island, Suba North constituency.
Lilan argued that fishermen nowadays operate in fear due to increased attacks. Their fishing gear is also being confiscated.
“Our preliminary investigations reveal that conflicts in the lake have nothing to do with speculated boundary disputes. The attackers are up to something else,” Lilan said.
The authorities have identified beaches where the criminals are undertaking their activities. Lilan said they have also identified individuals encouraging the use of rogue fishing methods.
“We will soon launch a crackdown on the beaches as arrested suspects,” he said.
Lilan has also warned of illegal fishing practices. Experts are warning that the use of certain fishing nets can lead to the extinction of some fish species.
Fisheries laws do not allow people to use fishing gears that trap immature fish.
Lilan said other emerging lake issues include stealing fishing nets that have been reported in Homa Bay and Migori counties.
The crackdown will be conducted in collaboration with Beach Management Units officials, Kenya Maritime Authority and Kenya Coast Guard Service.
BMUs found to have been operating illegally will also be disbanded.
The county commissioner has already notified subcounty security committees to convene meetings with BMUs from their areas to find a lasting solution to problems.
“We have realised that some fishermen are also known to be targeting breeding grounds where they destroy fish nurseries,” he said.
