Ever been accused of over stepping your boundaries?Its a tale of real Kenyan hustlers unable to return their feet back after crossing the line to look for greener pastures
Seven Kenyan fishermen have been detained at a beach in Tanzania after they were arrested by security officials from the neighbouring county over claims of illegally crossing the border.
The fishermen from Remba Island in Suba North, Homa Bay County, were arrested on Sunday evening during a fishing expedition in Lake Victoria. Their four boats were also confiscated.
The fishermen, who were together with other colleagues, had 21 boats when they set out for fishing. The security officials later released 17 boats but detained their day’s catch.
Homa Bay County Beach Management Units Network Chairman Edward Oremo said the fishermen had captured hundreds of kilogrammes of fish when they were arrested and detained.
He said they were yet to establish details in regard to the arrests.
“Those who were set free said they had not crossed the boundary between Kenya and Tanzania. The security officials took all their fishing gears and fish,” said Mr Oremo.
County Police Commander Mr Marius Tum confirmed the incident.
He said his officers were today investigating the circumstances that led to the arrest of the fishermen.
The incident has once again raised questions on the relationship between the East African countries on boundary issues.
In a recent meeting in Homa Bay County, security and fisheries officials from Kenya and Uganda agreed not to harass fishermen from either country in Lake Victoria as long as they obeyed the fishing laws of the respective countries.
Mr Oremo asked the government to incorporate Tanzania in the deal.
A while back six Kenyan fishermen were detained at Vuvumai in Uganda, following their arrests at Lake Victoria a few months ago, as the Sh 100,000 fine demanded could not be paid be paid.
Migori Governor Okoth Obado blamed the national government, saying laxity in addressing the Migingo Island issue has resulted in the conflict between fishermen and Ugandan officials.