Three Kenyan fishermen have returned home following their release from a Madagascar prison where they spent more than four months following their arrest for illegal fishing activities.
Mbarak Awadh Mbarak (26), Mohammed Bakari Abass (50), and Karisa Gona Nguma (32) were detained on July 9, 2024, after authorities discovered their vessel carrying large quantities of shark products, including five tonnes of meat and 70 kilograms of fins. Their release follows coordinated efforts between Kenya’s Blue Economy Ministry, the Kenya Maritime Agency, and various human rights organizations. The men describe enduring severe hardships during their arrest, including inadequate access to basic necessities and food. One of the fishermen’s fathers has acknowledged and appreciated CS Joho’s efforts in obtaining the release of the three individuals.
The absence of proper documentation complicated the Kenyan government’s efforts to expedite their release, with legal proceedings further delaying intervention attempts. According to Kenya Maritime Agency Acting Director General Julius Koech, ongoing court proceedings initially hindered the government’s ability to intervene effectively. The incident has prompted Kenyan authorities to develop stronger measures to ensure their fishermen operate within territorial waters and maintain proper documentation.
The fishermen’s ordeal began when they fell victim to deceptive recruitment agencies that promised lucrative employment opportunities aboard foreign vessels, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Their situation deteriorated when the vessel’s captain directed them into deep Indian Ocean waters beyond their permitted fishing zones, leading to their arrest alongside five Sri Lankan nationals. In response to this and similar incidents, the Kenyan government has intensified its efforts to protect citizens working abroad.
