KWS calls for calm as protests over missing fisherman turn ugly in Nakuru

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has called for calm as investigations continue into allegations of illegal fishing and the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, a fisherman who was reportedly arrested near Lake Nakuru National Park.

Protests over the disappearance of Odhiambo escalated on Thursday as angry residents clashed with security officers in Nakuru Town East.

Demonstrators set parts of Lake Nakuru National Park ablaze, demanding the immediate release of the missing fisherman.

The unrest, now in its fifth day, also left several students from Kimathi Secondary School hospitalised after inhaling fumes from teargas canisters used by security officers to disperse the crowd.

Odhiambo was reported missing on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with residents alleging that he was last seen being manhandled and taken away by KWS officers.

“We have searched for him everywhere and found nothing. We are asking them to hand over his body, but they refuse. They have hidden the body, and this is not the first time. We are tired. By tomorrow, we want them to give us the body so we can bury him in peace. We don’t want more problems,” one resident said.

Impact on students

Another resident lamented the impact on students caught up in the chaos. “We have a child who was startled and is crying. The teargas have affected them severely,” he said.

The protests prompted KWS officers and anti-riot police to call for reinforcements from neighbouring sub-counties to manage the unrest. In retaliation, the demonstrators lit bonfires and barricaded the road leading to Lake Nakuru National Park with stones, intensifying tensions in the area.

In a statement, KWS acknowledged community concerns about the recent incidents involving illegal fishing, the missing person, and subsequent unrest.

It noted that officers linked to the matter have recorded statements with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and investigations are ongoing.

“We are fully cooperating with all security agencies to uncover the facts, ensure justice is done, and uphold accountability,” KWS said.

“The alleged disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, a 31-year-old man reported missing on 18th January 2025 after an encounter with KWS officers, is under thorough investigation by the DCI,” the service said.

KWS also stressed the importance of avoiding actions that escalate tensions.

“We appeal for calm and urge the public to avoid incitement, lawlessness, destruction of property, and to support ongoing law enforcement efforts,” it said.

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The Service noted that rising water levels in Lake Nakuru have led to increased human activities, including illegal fishing. However, it emphasised that the lake remains an important sanctuary for endangered species, including black rhinoceroses.

A 2022 report by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) highlighted the presence of harmful heavy metals in fish from the lake, deeming it unfit for consumption.

“This underscores the need to address illegal fishing for public health and environmental conservation,” KWS said.

The Service said it is committed to professionalism and integrity, promising a transparent resolution to the matter.

“We urge the public to avoid destroying park infrastructure, as such actions hinder conservation efforts and compromise safety. Protecting human life and conserving Kenya’s biodiversity is at the core of our mandate,” it said.

KWS added that it is engaging with affected families, community representatives, and stakeholders to foster understanding and collaboration.

“We sincerely call upon the community, leaders, and the media to support efforts to restore calm and focus on engagement for lasting solutions,” it said.