Fishermen going about their business at Lake Naivasha. [Photo|being42.org]
The Nakuru County government has warned fishermen at Lake Naivasha against engaging in illegal fishing.
Fisheries officer Mathew Ngila said operators found fishing in restricted areas would be arrested and be banned from ever conducting their businesses in the fresh-water lake.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Ngila said the county government was perturbed by increased reports of hippo attacks on fishermen, but blamed them for illegal fishing in outlawed sections of the lake.
"We are concerned by increased attacks but we are cautioning the fishermen to stop any illegal activities," he said.
He added that fishermen should fish in areas where security officers can guarantee them safety.
One man died recently following an attack by hippos, while four others were left seriously injured.
The fishermen have raised alarm over the increased hippo attacks, with the animals being said to commonly striking during the day when fishermen are at work.
“We are in fear fishing in the waters because the animals seem to have increased in numbers,” a fisherman, told a local daily over the weekend.