Two fishermen killed, three injured in Homa Bay beach clash

The incident occurred at around 4am when fishermen from Ndhuru Beach in Lambwe Ward, Suba North Sub-County, clashed with their counterparts from Koginga Beach in Homa Bay Town over fishing grounds.

According to Lambwe East Location Chief Benard Onditi Ouma, the fishermen from Ndhuru Beach were conducting a patrol to protect fish breeding zones from suspected illegal fishing activities when they were attacked.

Ouma said he received reports of the confrontation at around 4am, indicating that fishermen from Koginga Beach, who were allegedly using illegal fishing gear, had invaded the protected breeding grounds.

The confrontation reportedly escalated after a boat belonging to the Ndhuru Beach patrol team developed a mechanical problem, leaving its occupants stranded.

Ouma said the fishermen from Koginga Beach, who were operating eight boats, allegedly took advantage of the situation and attacked their counterparts with stones.

Two fishermen were killed on the spot, while three others sustained serious injuries.

The injured were rescued and rushed to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Homa Bay County Beach Management Unit (BMU) Chairperson Edward Oremo condemned the incident, warning fishermen against using illegal fishing gear and conducting unauthorised patrols.

Oremo said such practices frequently fuel conflicts between fishing communities, sometimes resulting in loss of lives.

He urged fishermen operating on Lake Victoria to embrace sustainable fishing practices and respect regulations governing fishing activities.

Oremo further warned that the continued use of illegal fishing gear threatens fish breeding grounds and could lead to the depletion of fish stocks in Lake Victoria.