Why so many fishermen are dying in Homa Bay

The endless disputes between Kenyan fishermen and Ugandan security officials in Lake Victoria may be the widely known reason behind nets catching little.

But the fishermen are also drowning in a more serious problem; illicit alcohol smuggled from Uganda. 

The Nation spent the last three weeks observing events in Homa Bay, one of the counties whose residents heavily rely on fishing.

Alcohol is the main cause of death among fishermen.

DEATHS

Residents say more than 20 fishermen have died of liquor-related complications in the last four months, a figure disputed by security officials who say at least two fishermen die every month.

And this is how it all begins. Fishermen prepare their nets as they drink the liquor, often in sachets, which Kenya banned 14 years ago.

As they jump on the boats, each carries some ‘steam’ in the bottles, ostensibly to kill boredom.

The problem is, inebriated men can hardly swim.

ILLICIT LIQUOR

At Litare Beach of Rusinga island, fishermen blame police officers for tolerating the liquor trade. Mr Elisha Juma, a fisherman, said those smuggling the alcohol enjoy protection from police.

"Police officers know the smugglers because it is done in broad daylight,” the fisherman said.

But it is not just imported intoxicants that are to blame. Fishermen told of an alcohol brand made in Gwassi, Suba South constituency. Police ended the business recently. 

It is difficult to determine the number of people who have died because of drinking. Fishing groups and police often lump the deaths together with those occurring as a result of accidents in the lake.

Mr Juma said he has counted a very big number of deaths resulting from drunken sailing.

“I have witnessed colleagues die in the lake because of liquor. Most of the deaths are not recorded because the identity of many fishermen is unknown," he said.

DRUNKEN SAILING

He started fishing at Remba island 30 years ago. The island is barely three kilometres from the contested boundary with Uganda.

The boat repairer is now almost 50. He occasionally goes into the lake and advises residents against sailing while drunk. Unfortunately, his counsel has largely been ignored.

The island attracts traders and fishermen from the hinterland. Alcohol has also ravaged Kiwa and Ringiti islands.

The drinks are cleverly packaged in bottles of known brands. A bottle goes for between Sh100 and Sh200. Those who drink the spirit say it makes them ‘high’, lightheaded and reduces vision.

Mr Tom Guda, the chairman of Lake Victoria Beach Management Unit, attributes the increased number of deaths in the lake to failure by police to stop the illegal business.

He claims the beach management has often requested a joint campaign with police to end the business to no avail.

"We ask (Inspector-General of Police Joseph) Boinnet to transfer officers in Remba and Ringiti islands," Mr Guda said.

Homa Bay Beach Management Unit chairman Edward Oremo says he has lodged complaints to police.

"My complaints to police bosses in Suba North Sub–County keep hitting a brick wall," he said.

POLICE ACTION

Contacted, Suba North OCPD Wilson Nanga Ochorokodi challenged beach officials to identify people smuggling the alcohol to the islands.

"We will not hesitate to arrest them," Mr Ochorokodi told the Nation.

The police boss urged beach management officials to advice fishermen to stop getting into the lake while drunk.

"Many of these boats do not have life jackets," he said.

Homa Bay Director of Medical Services Kevin Osuri attributed deaths of fishermen to damage on their central nervous system.

"The alcohol being consumed has high methanol content that depresses the nervous system. It makes rowing boats hazardous," Dr Osuri said.

County Police Commander Marius Tum said a security meeting would be held soon to find out ways of ending the trade.

"We have received reports of illegal liquor business around the islands and we will do all it takes to address the problem," he said.