Two fishermen have been killed and three others seriously injured following a confrontation between rival fishing groups on Lake Victoria in Homa Bay County.
The incident occurred at about 4am when fishermen from Ndhuru Beach in Lambwe Ward, Suba North Sub-County, were conducting a patrol to protect designated fish breeding zones from alleged invasion by fishermen from Koginga Beach in Homa Bay Town.
Lambwe East Location Chief Benard Onditi Ouma said he was informed at around 4am that members of the Ndhuru patrol team had come under attack from fishermen from Koginga Beach.
According to the chief, the fishermen from Koginga were suspected of using illegal fishing gear, prompting tensions between the two groups.
Onditi said the confrontation escalated after a boat carrying members of the Ndhuru patrol team developed a mechanical problem and was unable to move.
He said fishermen from Koginga, who were allegedly operating about eight boats, descended on their counterparts and began pelting them with stones.
The attack left two fishermen dead, while three others sustained serious injuries.
The injured fishermen were rescued from the scene and taken to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment.
The incident has renewed concerns over rising tensions among fishing communities operating on Lake Victoria, particularly over access to fishing grounds, protection of breeding areas and the use of prohibited fishing equipment.
Homa Bay County Beach Management Unit Chairperson Edward Oremo condemned the confrontation and cautioned fishermen against using illegal fishing gear.
Oremo also warned against unauthorised patrols, saying such operations could trigger confrontations between fishing groups and result in unnecessary loss of lives.
He urged fishermen to work through established Beach Management Units and relevant authorities when dealing with suspected cases of illegal fishing instead of taking matters into their own hands.
Oremo further called on fishermen to protect Lake Victoria by avoiding destructive fishing practices, warning that continued use of illegal fishing gear could threaten fish stocks and undermine the livelihoods of communities that depend on the lake.
The latest incident is likely to heighten calls for stronger enforcement of fishing regulations and improved coordination between Beach Management Units, local administration and fisheries officials to prevent disputes from escalating into violence.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish what triggered the confrontation between the two groups.
