Fishermen going about their business at Lake Victoria. [Photo/impakter.com]
Fishermen and residents around Lake Victoria have raised concern over increased cases of deaths on the lake.
According to police records, 32 people have died in Lake Victoria this year. Residents say barely a month passes without a person perishing on the deep waters.
Illicit brew smuggled in from Uganda through Remba Island, residents told Saturday Standard, is the major cause of high rate of drowning in the lake.
They claimed fishermen go to the waters when they are drunk and never in control of what is happening around them.
"People who have tasted the brew say it is strong and makes one get a headache. That is why many fishermen who go to the lake when drunk end up drowning due to instability," said Bony Sidika, who is former Kinda Beach Management Unit chairman.
While confirming the reports, Homa Bay County Police Commander Marius Tum said they have put in place adequate measures to curb consumption of illicit brew.
"Our fishermen must desist from consumption of illegal brews and going to the lake while drunk," Tum told the local daily, adding that police officers blamed for aiding the illicit brew trade have been transferred.
Homa Bay County Beach Management Network chairman Edward Oremo called on the government to acquire patrol boats to curb cases of insecurity in the lake.
"The State needs to deploy marine police officers in Lake Victoria islands to boost security and check on illegal fishing methods," Oremo told Saturday Standard.
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