A search mission is ongoing on Lake Victoria to locate the bodies of three fishermen who drowned after a violent clash between fishing groups from Rarieda and Karachuonyo sub-counties on Sunday night.
The confrontation happened near Luanda Kotieno beach when fishermen from Kajimu beach in Karachuonyo reportedly entered a restricted fish breeding area.
George Owuor Otuoma, chairperson of the Luanda Kotieno Beach Management Unit (BMU), said the group was using illegal fishing equipment and declined to leave when challenged by local patrol officers.
According to Otuoma, the patrol team intercepted the intruders, triggering a fight during which the Kajimu fishermen allegedly used crude weapons.
In the chaos, their boat overturned, leading to the drowning of three men. One fisherman swam to safety, and five others were rescued by the patrol team.
Otuoma told Ramogi FM that the rescued fishermen were taken to Aram Police Station and later charged at the Madiany Law Courts.
They are accused of using prohibited fishing gear and inciting violence on the lake.
Recovery efforts for the missing bodies are still underway.
The BMU leader condemned the ongoing use of illegal fishing methods, saying such practices continue to fuel conflict on Lake Victoria.
He urged the government to take firm action to stop the use of banned equipment and prevent further tragedies.
22 including crypto merchants, lawyer arrested in anti-terror sweep
