Siaya County to suspend fishing on polling day

Fishermen offloading tilapia near Mbita Island Club Pier, Rusinga Island. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

All fishing activities will be suspended in Bondo and Rarieda sub-counties beginning Monday, August 8, 2022, until after the general election.

According to the chairman of Luanda K'otieno Beach Management Unit (BMU) George Otuoma, leaders have resolved that no fisherman will be allowed to venture out on expeditions until August 10, 2022.

"We have taken this move to give all the fishermen who are registered voters and the general population along the beaches ample time to participate in the general elections," said Otuoma.

Otuoma said from August 8, they will conduct a crackdown to ensure that anybody who registered as a voter elsewhere is compelled to travel to wherever they registered so as to cast their ballot before being allowed back.

The BMU chairman assured of their commitment to ensuring 100 per cent voter turnout across the region and called on his colleagues from other beaches across the region to ensure that no voter is left out.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Yimbo BMU Network vice- chairman, Julius Odembo, who added that they would also wish to have all liquor outlets that operate along the beaches closed during the period.

"It's only through participation in the elections that our fishermen will be able to put in place good leaders who will address their grievances which include insecurity, unemployment and unregulated fish prices among others," said Odembo.