Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Mbita in Homa Bay, intervened after fishermen retrieved six motor bombs from Lake Victoria.
According to DCI, the fishermen were on their nightly routine when they stumbled upon the heavy load. Assuming it was omena, the fishermen dragged the load to shore.
While trying to unpack their nets, the fishermen panicked and fled. Some dived into the lake after discovering the bombs.
The fishermen later reported the incident to the beach management chairman, who forwarded the issue to DCI detectives in the area.
"The 80mm bombs were kept in safe custody at the Mbita Subcounty Police Headquarters, awaiting disposal by Bomb Disposal and Hazardous Materials detectives based in Kisumu city," DCI detailed.
Additionally, DCI disclosed that fishermen who dived into the hippo-infested waters were safely taken to shore by other boats before the mammals attacked.
In 2021, fishermen from Ngodhe Island discovered five bombs in the lake after a fishing expedition. The explosives were also handed over to the police for safekeeping.
Furthermore, fishermen from Rusing Island in 2021, also stumbled upon six motor bombs in a metallic box that contained fish-shaped explosives.
After the incident was reported, DCI pounced into action to investigate the occurrence and detonate the bombs posing a threat to the public.
"Fishermen are always required to report the cases immediately so that we can detonate them.
"They have been informed to alert authorities when they find devices they suspect could be bombs," advised Mbita DCI boss Philip Sang.
