Kenyan fishermen cry foul over continued harassment on Migingo Island

Former Migori County Beach Management Unit (BMU) Chairperson Odhiambo Adhanja said the officers continue to extort and rob fishermen of their catch, allegedly in collaboration with a few Kenyan fishermen operating around the island.

Odhiambo revealed that three boats belonging to fishermen from other beaches in Migori were recently impounded at Migingo.

He added that the owners of the said boats were then forced to pay bribes to secure their release.

According to the BMU chairperson, Kenyan fishermen who access Migingo are still being compelled to pay Ksh. 2,000 per boat to operate in the disputed area.

He called for urgent government intervention, saying the fishermen have endured mistreatment for far too long.

Despite assurances from the Kenyan government to address the ongoing frustrations, fishermen say Ugandan security officers continue to harass them in Lake Victoria waters.