Ethnic fight between the Turkana and Merriles from Ethiopia has pushed down commercial fishing on Lake Turkana. Last week, four Turkana fishermen were arrested for allegedly stealing fishing nets from their Ethiopian counterparts, heightening the tension. Turkana North DC Jack Obuo said that the tension among the two ethnic groups is ruining fishing, which is the main source of income on the lakeside. He added that the Turkana fishermen were arrested as they fled Abalokwa beach following a fierce shootout with their Ethiopian counterparts.
The fight between two tribes put the live sof the traders in jeopardy. Some traders have moved out for fear of being caught in the crossfire. Fishmongers said the renewed fighting was disrupting the commercial fish business that had started to thrive after relative peace returned to the area.
A fishmonger, Ekuam Edong’a said that it is no longer business as usual in most parts of the lake shared by the two groups due to fear of revenge attacks. He said most fishmongers had moved out of Lake Turkana following recurrent attacks. Last year seven people, including an Administration Police officer and a Kenya Police reservist, were killed at Lake Turkana by suspected Merrile raiders while fishing.
Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association executive officer Millicent Odhiambo said that although the government banned ring nets two years ago, their use continues unabated. She said influential fishermen use the illegal gear, devastating the marine eco-system.
