KDF May Soon Be Deployed to Lake Victoria

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i has addressed the insecurity issues fishermen face at Lake Victoria and revealed that the Kenya Defence Forces among other security personnel may soon be deployed to the region.

Dr Matiang'i stated that the government was working on a long-term plan to provide adequate security in Lake Victoria following the constant complaints from Kenyan fishermen.

He further announced that a multi-agency unit was finalising the plan that will come up with measures to address insecurity challenges in the lake.

Speaking during a meeting with Kisumu County police commanders on Monday, Matiang'i stated: “We’re jointly doing the plan, with our colleagues in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other security organs.”

In the plan, the CS hinted there would be the deployment of more security officers to patrol the lake since fishermen have pleaded with the government to address insecurity.

Cases of fishermen losing fishing gear to robbers, harassment by police officers from neighbouring countries and boats capsizing in the lake have been common.

“The challenges that our people have had before, we are going to have them come to an end. We are putting more resources because we want this part of our country to be safe and secure as we move forward,” Dr Matiang'i remarked.

Matiangi who was accompanied by Inspector General of police Joseph Boinnet and Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho also addressed the issue of housing for police officers.

“I want to tell you, my colleagues, life will never be the same again in this issue of police accommodation, we are going to sort it out completely,” he assured.

He reported that police houses in Karatina and Kamukunji were near completion hence the officers will be moving in soon.

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