Freedom at last for the six Kenyan fishermen who were arrested and charged by the Tanzanian government for over 90 days secured their release after paying a Sh200,000 fine.
The fishermen arrived on 10th February at Kanyakire beach in Nyatike Sub County on a boat from Sota beach in Tanzania.
The six were detained following their arrest for allegedly fishing on Tanzania’s Lake Victoria side using illegal fishing gears.
“We have suffered for long, at last we are free. We were arrested by Tanzania security officers who were patrolling the lake at night of November 5, 2018, accusing us of crossing the boundary and using illegal fishing gears in the Lake,” said Mr Jared Okoth.
The fishermen recounted their ordeal in the hands of Tanzanian officers at Musoma Police Station, where they claimed they were often denied food, flogged and forced to eat raw fish.
“We were forced to spend a night or a day without food. On some days, were forced to eat raw fish. It was really hard living in the Tanzanian cell. We are happy to come back home today,” said Mr Okoth.
Another freed fisherman, Mr Opiyo Otiwa, requested the national government to provide security to Kenyan fishermen in Lake Victoria.
“Our people need security. We pay taxes to the government and we don’t know why we are suffering. These people need compensation. Their boats were exposed to direct sunlight for three months and they cannot use them anymore because they are leaking,” said Mr Otiwa.
Mihuru Bay ward representative Hevron Mahira accused the government of failing to protect its citizens from rampant external aggression.
“Kenyan fishermen are facing harassment from our neighbours Tanzania and Uganda but the government is just mum,” said Mr Mahira.
The ward rep said Tanzanian and Ugandan security officials have been extorting Kenyan fishermen. “the security officer arrest Kenyan fishermen and force them to part with their hard-earned money to secure their freedom.” Mahira added.
This happened after other 15 Kenyans were freed by Tanzanian authorities on Monday 4th February, 2019 after paying a total fine of Sh150,000. They were arrested on accusations of illegal fishing.