Don't harass displaced residents Fishing on their plots, Said Arama

Nakuru Tuesday June 6, 2023

by Moses Gicheha/ Samwel Karanja

Nakuru West MP Samwel Arama has expressed concerns over the alleged harassment of residents in Mwariki, a lakeside community near Lake Nakuru, by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) police.

Arama has called for an immediate halt to these actions, emphasizing that the residents have been severely affected by the displacement caused by the rising water levels of the lake.

“The residents of Mwariki were forced to leave their homes and properties due to the encroaching waters of Lake Nakuru,” said the MP.

“All they are asking for is an opportunity to earn a living from their plots which they bought with money but have to rent elsewhere to stay,” added the legislator.

He also acknowledged that the government had plans to compensate the affected individuals for the loss of their homes and belongings.

However, the process had been delayed due to the transitional phase of the county government governance.

The rising water level in the lake has not only displaced the residents but has also disrupted farming activities in the surrounding areas.

The MP emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the flooded farmlands no longer yield crops but have now become fishing grounds.

He argued that the residents should be permitted to engage in fishing and sell their catch, as their previous agricultural activities have been rendered impossible by the water.

“Despite the residents' desperate attempt to sustain themselves through fishing, some fishermen have fallen victim to government authorities' crackdown on alleged illegal fishing. Boats and fishing nets have been confiscated, leading to further distress among the fishing community,” Arama said.

He urged the relevant government authorities to intervene in this matter, calling for a more compassionate and understanding approach towards the affected residents

The Nakuru West MP's plea for an end to the harassment and support for the fishing community has garnered attention and support from various stakeholders.

It remains to be seen how the government and county fisheries department will respond to these concerns and work towards a resolution that addresses the challenges faced by the displaced residents of Mwariki, while preserving the ecological integrity of Lake Nakuru.

Courtesy ; K. N. A