This archive report was first published on 1 September 2019.
Published on September 1, 2019, the Kenya Marine police will be deployed to Lake Victoria to contain constant attacks on Kenyan fishermen by pirates and Ugandans.
African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Raila Odinga announced the deployment, citing the need to ward off pirates who have run riot at the lake.
The move comes after a recent incident in which six fishermen from Bondo were attacked and injured by thugs armed with machetes and knives.
According to the Chairman of Kuoyo Beach Management Unit (BMU) Mr Willis Opiyo, the thugs stole the fishermen’s two boat engines worth Sh460, 000 during the attack.
Mr Opiyo condemned the rampant attacks on the lake, pleading with the government to consider reinstating police officers who used to patrol the lake.
“Insecurity has been on the rise in the lake but no action has been taken despite our persistent plea to the government,” he lamented.
Speaking during the burial of a former teacher, Mr Festus Miyayi in Nyanyonga village in West Yimbo ward, Raila said the officers will be permanently based in the lake to deal with the pirates who have continued to threaten peace in the region.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda welcomed the move, saying it was a great step by the state to ensure that all the criminals are flushed out of the lake.
