Six Kenyan fishermen were charged in Uganda on Wednesday with fishing in foreign territory.
They will either pay a cumulative fine of Sh37,000 or spend seven years in a prison in the neighbouring country.
NO INTERVENTION
The six, including a KCSE candidate of Kibuon Secondary School, were apprehended on the night of August 24.
They were identified as Jacob Ogweno, Nelly Ochieng, Michael Supi, student Frankline Ochieng, Odhiambo Nyundo and Kosu Odira, all from Nyangw'ena Beach of Muhuru bay in Nyatike sub-county, Migori County.
"They were arrested in Uganda's waters. They violated the country's laws. There was nothing the Kenyan government could do to help them," Migori County Commissioner, Mr Joseph Rotich, said.
Nyangw'ena Beach Management Unit chairman, Mr Zadock Kawa, said their relatives and colleagues were collecting money to pay the fine.
"So far, we have a paltry 5,000," Mr Kawa said
NO SECURITY
Mr Kawa said Ugandan soldiers take advantage of the lack of police presence to arbitrarily arrest Kenyans.
"In the lake we can't be aware of boundaries and there are no Kenyan security personnel there. That is why Ugandan police arrest us often," he said, adding they are worried that more arrests will take place.
Mr Ochieng's parents said they are afraid he will miss the national secondary school examination.
"I am worried about my son, who is supposed to write the exam in two months' time. I hope he will be released on time," his father, Mr Johanes Odendo, said.
He said Ugandan soldiers earlier demanded Sh100,000 for the release of the six.
Nyatike MP Tom Odege has asked the government to address the plight of the Lake Victoria fishers once and for all, as residents give plenty of money in the form of bribes and fines.
EMPTY PROMISES
Mr Odege noted that the government, through Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, has in the past promised to address the issue.
"The secretary was in Siaya and Homa Bay counties. Despite giving promises he has failed to take any action," he said, noting the government is expected to protect its borders and citizens.
While citing the Migingo Island row, he said: "President Uhuru Kenyatta needs to act to alleviate the suffering Kenyans undergo in Lake Victoria, in the hands of Ugandans."
