Police have launched an investigation into the deaths of three fishermen who drowned during a violent clash near Luanda Kotieno beach in Lake Victoria.
It is reported that the fight began after fishermen from Kajimu Beach in Karachuonyo allegedly encroached upon a protected breeding zone while using illegal fishing equipment.
George Owuor Otuoma, the Luanda Kotieno Beach Management Unit (BMU) officer, said that the intruders were confronted by Luanda Kotieno patrol teams when they refused to vacate the area, leading to a scuffle.
Their boat later capsized during the confrontation, causing three of them to drown.
One fisherman swam to safety while five other individuals were rescued and handed over to the police by the patrol team.
Otuoma stated that the rescued fishermen were taken to the Aram Police Station and arraigned at Madiany Law Courts.
Speaking to Ramogi TV, Otuoma said that they will face charges related to the use of illegal fishing equipment and inciting violence on the lake.
According to Otuoma, the search for the three individuals' bodies is still ongoing. He condemned and warned fishermen against the use of illegal fishing gear, stating that this is a main cause of conflict on Lake Victoria.
Otuoma, however, asked the government to take immediate action by eliminating practices to prevent more loss of life.
This incident happened months after Kenya Defence Forces(KDF) arrested two Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) at the port town in Busia County on February 6, 2025, over harassment of Kenyan fishermen.
The two were arrested at Sumba Island in Port Victoria over claims of targeting and harassing Kenyan fishermen operating on Lake Victoria.
The officers, Richard Amrie and Michael Busola, at the time of their arrest, had already detained several Kenyan fishermen and were preparing to take them to Uganda.
Their apprehension followed intelligence tips that the locals and fishermen gave to the KDF officers patrolling the waters at the time of the incident.
