We’ll find out why Kenya arrested our citizens: government

Dar es Salaam. The government has said it was following closely the information about the arrest of at least 16 fishermen from Tanzania by Kenyan authorities for allegedly crossing into Kenya’s side and using illegal fishing equipment.

The latest arrests come barely a few weeks after 36 Kenyan fishermen were arrested and detained by the Tanzania authorities for alleged trespass.

According to The EastAfrican, the Tanzanian suspects were arrested on Sunday along the shores of Lake Victoria near Bamgot Beach in Migori County, in Nyanza before they were taken to Macalder Police Station where they were locked up.

Tarime-Rorya Special Zone Police commander Henry Mwaibambe confirmed about the matter, saying the suspects were yesterday taken to court, before being released a few hours later.

“We are still following closely to establish the reasons for their arrest. We also want to find out the grounds on which they were released,” said Mr Mwaibambe.

Contacted for comment by The Citizen, Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister Augustine Mahiga said the matter was yet to reach his office.

“I have just landed in Kenya for other official duties. I will try to find out the truth before commenting on the matter,” said Dr Mahiga.

Earlier, reached for comment, Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation deputy minister Damas Ndumbaro sad he was not in the position to comment, saying he was not the ministry’s spokesman.

“The ministry’s spokesman is the minister. I can only speak to media if he delegates the powers to me,” said Dr Ndumbaro.

“But the arrest of fishermen for allegedly trespassing into Kenya also concerns Immigration department. Talk to them they can give you some insights.” However, reached for comment, Immigration spokesman Ally Mtanda tossed the ball to the responsible ministry.

“Once they (suspects) have crossed the border, the issue remains in the hands of the Foreign Affairs minister,” noted Mr Mtanda.