Six fishermen from Kenya who were arrested have been freed from Tanzania

A section of family and friend led by Muhuru Bay MCA Mr. Hevron Mahira (with check checked shirt) at Kanyakire beach in Mihuru bay Nyatike sub-County on February 10, 2019 welcome back home six Kenya fishermen who were arrested by Tanzanian security officers over three months ago, they were charged with alleged trespassing and using illegal fishing gears in Lake Victoria Tanzania side. [Photo by Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

Six Kenya fishermen arrested and charged by the Tanzanian government were released after paying a fine of Sh120, 000.

On Sunday afternoon, the six who were arrested on November 5, last year arrived at Kanyakire beach in Mihuru bay Nyatike sub-County from Sota beach in Tanzania.

They had been detained in Tanzania for four months after they were accused of fishing in Tanzania waters.

“At last we are free at last.It was four months of hell, being beaten and sometimes denied food," said Jared Okoth, one of the fishermen.

Mr Opiyo Otiwa, another fisherman who was arrested together with Okoth requested the Kenyan government to provide security for Kenyan fishermen in the lake.

He said the six boats which were seized by Tanzania security were exposed in direct sunlight for three months now, they have cracks which cannot be repaired.

"Our people need security, we pay taxes to the Government and we don’t know why we are suffering when the Government is silent in these issue. These people need compensation, their boats are worn out and they cannot use them anymore because they are licking," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Mihuru ward representative Mr Hevron Mahira who accused the Kenyan Government neglecting fishermen in Lake Victoria.

“Kenyan fishermen are facing harassment by the security officers from our neighboring countries but the government is just silent over the matter,” said Maira.

Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege also appealed to the Government to look for the lasting solution to the issues facing fishermen in the lake.