Homa Bay man killed over fishing grounds dispute
As of the time of reporting, Kayanja Assistant Chief Moses Sirawa confirmed that Ooko’s body had yet to be recovered.
A fisherman lost his life on Sunday following a violent clash over fishing rights near Misori Beach in Gembe, Homa Bay County.
The deceased, 39-year-old Fredrick Ooko from Gode Ariyo Beach, is believed to have drowned during a confrontation between fishermen from his home beach and those affiliated with the Misori Beach Management Unit (BMU).
The conflict reportedly erupted over control of a fish breeding zone in Lake Victoria.
Gode Ariyo Beach Management Unit (BMU) chairperson Daniel Ombuor stated that the altercation began after fishermen from Misori accused their counterparts of encroaching on a section of the lake they had designated for fingerling breeding.
According to Daniel Ombuor, chairperson of the Gode Ariyo Beach Management Unit, an agreement had been reached between some fishermen from Misori and Gode Ariyo, allowing access to the breeding zone in exchange for payment.
However, a different faction from Misori Beach opposed the deal.
This dissenting group later stormed the breeding area, confronting the Gode Ariyo fishermen who were already fishing there.
During the ensuing chaos, Fredrick Ooko drowned, while others managed to escape with their boat.
As of the time of reporting, Kayanja Assistant Chief Moses Sirawa confirmed that Ooko’s body had yet to be recovered.
He also noted that officers from the Kenya Coast Guard Service had been deployed to assist in the search and retrieval efforts.