Fisherman killed in row over fishing ground in Mbita

Boats used by fishermen in Lake Victoria. [File, Standard]

A 39-year-old fisherman was killed in renewed rivalry over the fishing ground in Mbita Sub-county on Saturday.

Fredrick Ooko, a fisherman based at Gode Ariyo Beach, reportedly died after fighting broke out between members of Gode Ariyo Beach and Misori Beach.

Trouble started after fishermen from Gode Ariyo Beach went to fish near Misori Beach.

Misori Beach members accused their rivals of invading an area that had been set aside for breeding fish.

Gode Ariyo Beach Management Unit Chairman Daniel Ombuor said a group of fishermen from Misori Beach who were patrolling the area allowed their rivals to fish first before a confrontation ensued.

The fishermen from Gode Ariyo escaped and left most of their boats in the area.

However, Ooko and another fisherman returned to pick Sh10,000, which they had left in the boat, and that is when they were attacked before they reportedly fell and drowned in the lake.

"Ooko left the money in the boat when they were escaping. He returned to the boat later, but they disagreed again, leading to his death," Ombuor said.

Ooko's body was later retrieved from the lake.

Ombuor said the other fisherman was abducted by the assailants.

The Assistant Chief of Kayanja Sub-location, Moses Sirawa, warned residents against fighting over ownership of the fishing grounds in Lake Victoria.

Sirawa said fishermen should not bar each other from fishing in the lake.

"It is wrong for any group of fishermen to draw boundaries in Lake Victoria. Above all, let fishermen avoid taking the law into their hands," Sirawa said.

He said that officers from the Kenya Coast Guard Service helped to retrieve the body.