Fear has gripped residents living around the Lake Victoria basin after fishermen found live bombs. The incidents immediately alarmed communities and raised urgent safety concerns along the lake.
Fishermen discovered the first explosives on Sunday, March 1, at Litare in Mbita. They initially thought they had caught a large haul but quickly realized it contained explosives.
They moved the box to the shore before alerting police officers at the scene. Authorities warned residents that the devices are highly dangerous and must be reported immediately.
Second Discovery at Koguna Beach
A day later, fishermen at Koguna beach netted another cargo containing 14 explosives. Panic spread, and some fishermen jumped into the lake to avoid potential detonation.
Officers quickly secured the explosives and transported them to Mbita Sub-County Police Headquarters. The authorities confirmed that the devices are propellant-type explosives that also contain bullets.
Security personnel in Homa Bay County keep the explosives under tight supervision. Disposal and Hazardous Materials Unit staff in Kisumu City will safely destroy the explosives.
Officials emphasized that only trained personnel should handle these devices to prevent accidents. Residents must remain vigilant and report any suspicious items immediately to authorities.
Explosives have appeared in Lake Victoria before, raising concerns about leftover military ordnance. In August 2021, fishermen in Homa Bay County discovered six mortar bombs during routine fishing.
In 2019, fishermen found a rusty wooden box containing colonial-era explosives in the lake. Residents promptly handed the devices to police, highlighting hidden dangers beneath the water’s surface.
Explosives Beyond Lake Victoria
Authorities regularly recover explosives in other regions of Kenya, including Samburu County. Herders frequently find mortar bombs linked to British Army Training Units, showing the hazards persist nationally.
Experts believe many explosives originate from past military operations and training exercises. Some may date back decades, possibly to colonial times or earlier conflicts in the region.
Police and security officials urge residents to exercise caution near the lake. They warn that explosives can detonate unexpectedly and must only be handled by trained experts.
These incidents serve as a strong warning to communities around Lake Victoria. Fishermen and residents must remain vigilant and prioritize safety whenever working near potential explosives.
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