This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
Naivasha, Kenya - May 20, 2020
International film producer Dominic Cunningham is living in fear after his 630-acre Hippo Point conservancy in Naivasha was invaded by an armed group of around 50 men.
The group, who were fishing along Lake Nakuru, intruded on the private property and became aggressive when turned away by the security team.
They left the site but returned around 8:30 am, demanding to see the head of security team Bernard Ochieng, accusing him of being arrogant.
The armed group confiscated cell phones of two security personnel before they injured Mr. Ochieng with crude weapons and attempted to drown him in the lake.
Mr. Cunningham, who has produced acclaimed films for National Geographic, including 'Diamonds of War' and 'The War Next Door,' said the incident was reported at Kongoni Police Station under Occurrence Book (OB) number 08/18/05/2020.
Mr. Ochieng was rushed to Donyo Health Care Hospital in Naivasha, where he is undergoing treatment.
Mr. Cunningham fears that the intruders might also be a threat to wildlife at the conservancy, an issue that may affect tourism.
He urged respective government agencies, including fisheries, police, and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), to come up with a policy on fish governance and boundary to secure investments.
County Director of Fisheries Mathew Ngila admitted that illegal fishermen avoid the legal pathway to the lake and pass through private property.
Rift Valley police commander Marcus Ocholla said police have launched investigations into the invasion of the conservancy.
