Joy as Seven Detained Fishermen Return Home

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Seven Kenyan fishermen detained in the neighbouring Tanzania since March 31 this year have finally returned home after the intervention of mining and blue economy cabinet secretary Hassan Ali Joho.

The fishermen arrived at Moi International Airport on Friday night, June 12, 2026 through Skyward express flight where emotional family members and officials from the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) welcomed them in a reunion of tears, joy and relief.

According to KMA officials the seven were arrested in Kilwa waters alongside 61 migrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.

Tanzanian authorities accused them of facilitating the transportation of the migrants aboard a Kenyan fishing vessel.

The fishermen were each sentenced to 10 years in prison or ordered to pay a fine of Tsh70 million. They spent three months in Tanzanian prisons before their release.

KMA director-general CPA Omae Nyarandi said the repatriation followed weeks of diplomatic engagements and consultations between Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities.

“When I received information about their arrest in March, we immediately dispatched our officers to Tanzania to establish the facts. After learning about their predicament, we initiated consultations that, although challenging, eventually bore fruit,” he said.

Speaking during the reception, CS Joho apologised to the families for the ordeal their loved ones had undergone and urged Kenyan fishermen to observe the laws of the countries in whose waters they operate.

“Some things may appear insignificant, but they can attract very severe consequences. We are urging our fishermen to always follow the law,” he said.

“Wherever you go, you are the face of Kenya and a representative of our country. It is therefore important to conduct yourselves within the law.”

He thanked the Tanzanian government for its cooperation in facilitating the release of the Kenyans.

In a light-hearted moment, the CS joked with the returnees, saying he looked forward to hearing their experiences in Tanzanian prisons and the circumstances surrounding their arrest.

Bandari Maritime Academy director-general Dr Erick Katana also urged fishermen to adhere to maritime regulations and the laws governing territorial waters.

The fishermen expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government and the minister for securing their freedom.

“It was hell staying in those prisons. Were it not for Mr Joho’s intervention, we would still be languishing behind bars,” said Juma Rashid Tabu from Mtongwe.

Another colleague, Mwahenda Mwahenda from Golini in Kwale County, said faith helped them endure the difficult period in detention.

“We spent our days praying and fasting. That gave us hope and strength because we believed that one day we would reunite with our families,” he said.