Fishers fear attacks in Migingo

By NICK OLUOCH

Tension is high at Lake Victoria and fishermen have kept off the region in Migingo Island, Migori County after Uganda police allegedly assaulted three Kenyan APs.

Fishermen stayed off the lake for fear of a confrontation on the island inhabited mostly by Kenyan fishers.

Juma Ombori, an official of the Migingo Management Unit, said fishermen now feel unsafe on the island. “The Kenyan fishermen do not know what will happen next,” Ombori said, adding that a number had already relocated to the surrounding beaches.

However, Nyatike deputy County Commissioner Moses Ivuto has assured the fishermen of their safety and said the incident had been caused by a misunderstanding.

“I believe that the issue can be solved and there is no reason for the fishermen to fear,” he said, adding only one officer was injured. He was later taken to hospital and Ivuto said more police officers have been sent to the island to assess the situation.

Tension started on the island over the weekend after Ugandan police officers who have been manning it were stopped by the Kenyan counterparts from heading into Nyandiwa.

angered them

The Ugandans were informed they had to leave their weapons in Migingo before going into the area that is on the Kenyan side.

They were then told to register at Ugingo Island and leave their weapons behind, which angered them. The irked officers then warned the Kenyan police not to cross over from Ugingo that is jointly controlled the two countries.

Later in the evening, three Kenyan APs crossed over to buy food in Migingo where they were allegedly attacked.

Ivuto had noted that most likely the new head of the Ugandan police in the island was not aware that when his officers cross over into Kenya, they should not be armed and should be given escort.

“I must say that the matter is being investigated and must not be used to strain the relationship between these two friendly countries,” he said.