Security forces from neighbouring Uganda are detaining 24 Kenyans who were reportedly fishing on Wednesday night near Hama Island, authorities in Kenya have confirmed.
The fishermen are said to have been nabbed by police officers from Uganda who were patrolling the area, even though Kampala is yet to issue a statement over the same.
Homa Bay Beach Management chair Edward Oremo said the fishermen were detained by security officers who were patrolling the lake in the company of revenue officers.
“The security personnel officers were patrolling the lake together with revenue officers from the neighbouring country,” Mr Oremo said as quoted by the Nation.
Those affected are said to be residents of Suba North and Suba South constituencies which are under MPs Millie Odhiambo and John Mbadi respectively.
County Commissioner Irungu Macharia said they are yet to establish the reasons behind the detentions, adding that he's in touch with Uganda to solve the matter.
“We are investigating the exact reason why the fishermen were arrested. We will also establish where they are being detained,” Mr Macharia said.
The county commissioner added that his office has liaised with a local administrator from Uganda to engage in talks to facilitate the release of the fishermen.
“I have engaged the resident district commissioner in Uganda to find ways of assisting the fishermen,” Mr Macharia added.
Kenya is also embroiled in a border row with Uganda over the Migingo Island. The matter is yet to be solved despite a survey being done in 2011.