Court frees 16 Tanzanians accused of illegal fishing in Kenya

Court frees 16 Tanzanians accused of illegal fishing in Kenya

Tanzanian fishermen accused of illegal fishing in Kenyan waters have been set free by a Migori court.

The 16 fishermen who were arrested and detained by the Kenyan Beach Management Unit officials were released on Monday after the court failed to uphold illegal fishing charges levelled against them.

The Kenyan Beach Management Unit officials had accused the men of using unauthorised gear to fish.

According to Migori County Police Commander Joseph Nthenge, the court ordered the men to obtain a valid license from the Kenyan government if they have to go on with their fishing activities.

The release of the Tanzanian fishermen comes amid high tension of 36 Kenyan fishermen detained in Tanzanian over allegedly trespassing.

According to Muhuru Ward Beach Management Unit Chairman Tobias Mragire, Tanzanian authorities are demanding Ksh.200,000 from each fisherman.

Mragire accused the Tanzanian officials of being cruel towards Kenyan fishermen, adding that they have been met with unnecessary hostility and now want intervention from the Kenyan government.

Among those detained in Tanzania are three pupils and three students hailing from Muhuru bay on the border of Kenya and Tanzania.

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