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| A pic of tangled fishing nets |
Authorities are currently investigating a tragic occurrence at Lake Victoria involving two fishermen who lost their lives after a dispute over a fish-breeding zone turned violent.
The incident took place within the Suba North constituency of Homa Bay County, according to police reports.
Enock Opiyo, 25, and Dancan Okoth, 40, both from Uwi Beach, drowned during an altercation with fishermen from Koginga Beach on Tuesday evening.
Witnesses recounted that the conflict erupted when fishermen from Koginga encroached upon a fish-breeding area within Uwi, a zone designated off-limits for fishing.
Responding to the intrusion, five fishermen from Uwi Beach set out on their patrol boat to intervene, leading to a confrontation fueled by accusations of disrespect.
In the ensuing clash, the Koginga fishermen allegedly rammed their colleagues’ boat, causing it to capsize.
While three fishermen were rescued, Opiyo and Okoth tragically lost their lives at the scene. Efforts to recover their bodies are ongoing.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are collaborating with fishing community leaders to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
A search operation is underway to locate the group responsible for the attack.
Police note a concerning trend of drowning incidents in the area, underscoring the need for caution and preventative measures to mitigate such tragedies.
BY CYRUS OMBATI
