A search operation is underway in Lake Victoria for the bodies of three fishermen who drowned after a violent confrontation between fishing groups from Rarieda and Karachuonyo sub-counties on Sunday night.
The incident unfolded near Luanda Kotieno beach, where fishermen from Kajimu beach in Karachuonyo allegedly encroached on a protected fish breeding zone.
According to George Owuor Otuoma, chairman of the Luanda Kotieno Beach Management Unit (BMU), the group was using illegal fishing gear and refused to leave the restricted area when ordered to do so.
Otuoma said the Luanda Kotieno patrol team intercepted the intruders, triggering a scuffle in which the Kajimu fishermen allegedly attacked with crude weapons. During the confrontation, the attackers’ boat capsized, sending several men into the lake.
Three drowned, one swam to safety, and five were rescued by the patrol team.
The rescued fishermen, Otuoma told Ramogi FM, were handed over to police at Aram Police Station and later arraigned at the Madiany Law Courts.
They are facing charges related to the use of illegal fishing equipment and incitement of violence on the lake.
Efforts to recover the bodies are ongoing. Otuoma condemned the continued use of illegal gear on Lake Victoria, saying it fuels deadly conflicts and threatens the sustainability of fish breeding zones.
He urged the government to take firm action to eliminate the practice before more lives are lost.
