Kenyans Warned Over Dangerous Fish Being Sold as Safe Tilapia
Kenyans have been cautioned that they might unknowingly be eating fish that is unsafe for human consumption.
This warning comes after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen exposed a well-organized syndicate involved in harvesting toxic fish and disguising it as Tilapia from Kisumu.
Speaking in Nakuru County on Tuesday, August 12, during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum, Murkomen revealed that certain powerful cartels are behind this illegal trade.
According to him, these groups, which own large cold storage rooms and refrigerated trucks, are fishing from Lake Nakuru — a lake that does not naturally support edible fish — and collecting species that are toxic.
Murkomen explained that the harvested fish is then secretly transported in trucks to Kisumu. Once in Kisumu, the fish is repackaged and falsely labeled as fresh Tilapia from the lake region, a product many Kenyans consider safe and of high quality.
The fish is then sent to different towns and major cities across the country, misleading unsuspecting consumers into thinking they are buying safe, locally sourced Tilapia.
“What concerns us deeply is the illegal fishing in Lake Nakuru, an activity being aided by wealthy individuals with large cold rooms and trucks ready to ferry the fish,” Murkomen stated. “The public must understand that this fish is not fit for eating. What is worse is that it’s often taken to Kisumu, repackaged, and brought back into the market as Tilapia from Kisumu.”
Experts have repeatedly warned that Lake Nakuru is not suitable for fishing because of its alkaline waters and severe pollution.
The lake receives chemical waste and runoff from surrounding urban areas, making its fish unsafe for human health. Despite these warnings, Murkomen noted that the illegal trade is thriving, fueled by high profits and the protection of influential people who are part of the network.
To address the problem, the government is taking strong action. Murkomen announced the formation of multi-agency task forces involving the Ministry of Interior, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and local security teams to dismantle the syndicate.
He praised KWS for already using advanced technology to monitor lake activities, track suspicious transport routes, and identify cold storage facilities suspected of storing toxic fish.
“Our security agencies are working together in a coordinated, multi-agency approach to end this unlawful fishing once and for all,” Murkomen affirmed. “I am encouraged to see KWS applying technology to ensure every illegal activity in the lake is detected and dealt with.”
The CS warned that the crackdown will continue until the network is completely dismantled. He urged Kenyans to be vigilant about the fish they consume, advising them to buy only from trusted suppliers to protect their health.
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