Raila calls on Ruto to deploy emergency choppers for Lake Victoria fishermen
Raila highlighted that numerous fishermen have lost their lives on Lake Victoria due to the lack of rapid emergency response systems.
During the Blue Economy Conference held at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay on Friday, May 30, 2025, ODM leader Raila Odinga expressed deep concern over the high number of lives lost on Lake Victoria.
"We urgently need helicopters deployed, the loss of our people on the lake is preventable," Raila urged President William Ruto.
He stressed the importance of having emergency choppers available to rescue fishermen before tragedy strikes, emphasizing that Kenya must take proactive measures to protect its citizens.
Raila highlighted that numerous fishermen have lost their lives on Lake Victoria due to the lack of rapid emergency response systems.
Earlier at the conference, Maritime and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho assured residents that a rescue helicopter would soon be deployed.
Raila also condemned the ongoing harassment of Kenyan fishermen on the lake, reportedly by Ugandan marine officers, describing the situation as unacceptable.
"We need our own marine officers patrolling the lake to prevent unnecessary harassment of our fishermen," he said.
He urged fishermen to maintain peace, noting that violent clashes over fishing rights have led to tragic deaths.
“Our fishermen are killing each other over fish. This is senseless, and it must stop,” Raila emphasized.
The ODM leader added that the introduction of rescue helicopters and Kenyan marine officers would help resolve these issues and restore order on Lake Victoria.
He also voiced concern about foreign nationals fishing in Kenyan waters along the Indian Ocean, particularly Koreans and Japanese, warning that this exploitation of local resources must end.
Raila appealed to President Ruto to implement measures that protect Kenyan fishermen both on Lake Victoria and in the high seas, emphasizing that harassment of local fishermen cannot continue.
