Nine Kenyan fishermen were on Thursday arrested at Lake Victoria by Ugandan security officials who confiscated their fish worth Sh350,000.
The officers who were armed with AK 47 rifles forced the fishermen out of their boats and escorted them to Lolwe Island in Uganda.
According to Homa Bay Beach Manager Unit Chairperson, Edward Oremo, the fishermen were roughed up during the arrest.
Homa Bay County Police Commander John Omusanga stated that they learned of the incident from their Administration Police counterparts based in Remba Island.
“It is said that the fishermen were taken into custody following last week’s arrest of a Ugandan fisherman at Usenge beach in Siaya County. A team of Kenyan security officials will soon be dispatched to the region to negotiate their release,” Omusanga stated.
Suba Member of Parliament (MP) Millie Odhiambo called on the government to beef up security in the area.
“The government should consider beefing up security in Islands located around the lake. This will ensure peaceful coexistence between Kenyan and Ugandan fishermen,” Ms Odhiambo urged.
The Police Commander assured that investigations into the matter had been launched.
