Kenyans attacked in Migingo

Fifteen Kenyan fishermen were on Saturday injured following a clash with their Ugandan counterparts at the disputed Migingo Island in Lake Victoria. 

The victims sustained injuries after they were pelted with stones. 

At least five Ugandans also sustained injuries. 

The clash broke out in the morning when the Ugandans blocked Kenyans fishermen from fishing. 

“A bitter argument ensued before they turned against each other,” said Mr John Obunge, the Migingo beach management unit chairman. 

Ugandan security officers based at the island fired in the air to disperse the riotous fishermen. 

The officers also thwarted Attempts by some Ugandans to torch houses belonging to Kenyans. 

“We are investigating the source of conflict and we will punish the trouble makers,” said an Ugandan officer who asked not to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media.

Kenyan officers, who are co-guarding the island, provided first aid to the injured Kenyans. 

Mr Obunge said their has been “systematic frustrations and intimidation of Kenyans working in the island”. 

“It seems their ultimate goal  is to push us out of here,” he told the Sunday Nation. 

Just last week, three Kenyan fishermen were arrested by the Ugandan authorities. 

The trio was set free following protests from the Kenyan fishermen and traders after spending two days in the cells.

They had been picked near Mugabo beach in Migori County while fishing. 

The Ugandans claimed they arrested the trio over the “mysterious disappearance of an boat engine” belonging to a Ugandan fisherman last week. 

The Kenyans – Otieno James, 20, Nicholas Otieno,33, and Samuel Barasa 20, were taken to the makeshift  cells at the disputed Migingo island where they were interrogated briefly and later locked up. 

Kenyan fishermen protested at the arrests saying it was “part of the wider scheme to frustrate Kenyans operating in the fresh water lake”. 

“The Ugandans have taken advantage of the insensitivity of our government to our plight. We are now operating at their mercy,” said Mr Obunge. 

“These people are treating Kenyans like helpless and desperate foreigners on Migingo Island even though the ownership row has not been resolved,” he stated.