CS Murkomen raises alarm over illegal fishing in Lake Nakuru

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that powerful individuals are behind a booming illegal fishing business in Nakuru, endangering public health.

The CS declared that fish from Lake Nakuru are unfit for human consumption and promised to deal harshly with those involved.

“The powerful individuals have cold rooms,” said Murkomen, when he spoke at the Jukwaa la Usalama Nakuru chapter on Tuesday.

CS Murkomen warned that the syndicate is involved in hoodwinking Kenyans into consuming the illegal fish, which poses a great risk to health.

“The illegal fish is transported to Kisumu and returned to the market disguised as fresh tilapia. We are working closely with KWS to ensure this vice comes to a stop,” he added.

In 2021, fish from Lake Nakuru were declared unfit for human consumption due to the high presence of chemical elements.

Since then, an operation to arrest the culprits commenced, but four years on, it remains an unresolved problem.

“There are so many issues that concern us including the issue of illegal fishing at Lake Nakuru,” said Governor Susan Kihika.

As investigations into the illegal fishing operations around Lake Nakuru deepen, the Interior CS reaffirmed the government’s unwavering stance: the health of citizens and the integrity of the nation’s market come first.