The Kenya Coast Guards Service is on the spot over the killing of a fisherman as residents and leaders demand the law enforcers end patrols of Lake Naivasha.
Leaders headed by Naivasha MP Jane Kihara have accused the security officers of using excessive force in their patrols around the lake.
However, the national government ruled out withdrawing the security officers who have been patrolling the lake for last three months to stop illegal fishing.
This emerged during a meeting between the leaders and residents of Karagita estate following three days of unrest in which the demonstrating youths vandalised and looted property.
The youth was killed during a confrontation between illegal fishermen and Coast Guard officers. The Coast Guard said they were attacked and there was an attempt to set one of their vessels ablaze.
Speaking during the stormy meeting on Sunday, Naivasha sub-county commissioner Mutua Kisilu said the guards were there to stay.
He said that all government agencies were involved in return law and order to the lake. He said the problem lay with licensing, which had been suspended.
“We condemn the killing of the youth on Tuesday but I do not see any foreseeable chance of the government withdrawing the security officers from the lake,” he said.
He said that the only solution in the licensing issue was for the youths to form groups that would be vetted and licensed.
The MP complained that her office was not involved in bring the Coast Guard to the lake.
Kihara added she would seek a statement from the Ministry of Interior over the killing and the presence of the security officers in the lake.
“We are deeply perturbed by the killing of the young man and the presence of the Coast Guard and we want all those arrested during the unrest set free,” she said.
Lakeview MCA Simon Wanyoike termed the presence of the security officers as a major threat to residents of Naivasha and the cause of the current tension.
He said that the county was keen to restock the lake with fingerlings as it was a source of employment.
“We want the licensing officers to make sure that they involve the MCAs while issuing fishing licenses to fishermen,” he said.
This was echoed by his counterpart from Naivasha East Stanley Karanja who said that the lake was wholly under the county government.
“This is neocolonialism that has been introduced through the back door and we shall not sit back as our people continue to suffer,” he said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
