Kenyan Fishermen Decry Harassment by Tanzanian Police, Forced to Eat Raw Fish
Fishermen in Vanga, Kwale County, have raised concerns over persistent harassment by Tanzanian police officers, who accuse them of illegal fishing in Tanzanian waters and using unauthorized gear. The fishers are now calling on the Kenyan government to intervene and resolve the long-standing maritime boundary dispute.
Tensions at the Border
Vanga is a small village near the Kenya-Tanzania border, where fishing and small-scale rice farming are the primary sources of livelihood. Women who do not go to the ocean rely on selling fish, but business has become increasingly difficult due to conflicts over fishing territories. The Indian Ocean waters near Vanga are shared by both Kenya and Tanzania, with Tanzania controlling a larger portion.
Brutal Treatment by Tanzanian Police
According to local fishermen, the Tanzanian security forces patrolling the ocean have been excessively harsh on Kenyan fishers who mistakenly cross the unmarked border while looking for fish. Fishermen claim they have been subjected to beatings, forced to eat raw fish, and made to perform demeaning tasks before being released.
Bwamrii Masha, a fisherman from Vanga, recounted a horrifying ordeal when caught by Tanzanian authorities. “We were flogged, humiliated, and at times forced to eat raw fish. The harassment is unbearable,” he lamented.
Call for Government Intervention
Fishermen and traders are now urging the Kenyan government to engage its Tanzanian counterpart and establish a clear boundary in the Indian Ocean to prevent further conflicts. They argue that without a definitive border, Kenyan fishers will continue to suffer unfair treatment at the hands of Tanzanian security forces.
Senior Chief Kama Abdallah of Vanga location acknowledged the fishermen’s plight and confirmed that insecurity from criminal gangs in the area had significantly reduced. However, he highlighted other cross-border challenges, including human trafficking and illegal trade, particularly drug smuggling into Kenya.
With tensions escalating, the fishermen of Vanga hope for swift government intervention to ensure their safety and protect their livelihoods. Nairobian will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any developments.
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Kenyan Fishermen Decry Harassment by Tanzanian Police, Forced to Eat Raw Fish