Several fishermen were forced to jump into the hippo infested Lake Naivasha to runway from coast guard officers.

The coast guard personnel  were conducting an operation to stop the illegal fishing that was going on in the lake.

“In the operation conducted at 10pm last night, several other suspects threw caution to wind and plunged into the hippo infested fresh water lake, opting for a hide and seek game with hippos and other dangerous water creatures than face justice in a court of law,” read a statement by DCI.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, 6 other fishermen were arrested during the operation.

“Coast guard officers aboard MV Lenana approached the fishermen who were rowing 3 wooden boats, harvesting fish using illegal nets. When they saw the officers’ vessel approaching, the courageous ones abandoned their paddles and dived into the still waters while their 6 accomplices surrendered to the authorities,” DCI.

The six fishermen were identified as Joseph Njoroge, 52, Benson Ndirangu Kevoi, 42, Anthony Murimi, 45, Joseph Njuguna, 61, John Kimani, 42, and John Ajuma, 26.

Their vessels were impounded and are at Karagita police post. Meanwhile the illegal fishing nets have been kept as exhibits and shall be produced in court upon arraignment of the suspects.

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