Security officials in Tanzania are reportedly demanding Ksh1.3 million to free 36 Kenyan fishermen arrested on Sunday, November 4.

They also want payment of Ksh200,000 for each of the 10 boats that were seized.

The Kenyans were detained for trespassing into the country via Lake Victoria.

Homa Bay County Beach Management Units Network Chairman Edward Oremo said the fishermen had captured hundreds of kilograms of fish when they were arrested and detained.

In September, six other fishermen were arrested, detained and arraigned before a Tanzania court where they were released after paying Ksh37,000 each.

Speaking to Radio Ramogi, Muhuru Ward Beach Management Unit Chairman Tobias Mragire accused the Tanzanian officials of being cruel towards Kenyan fishermen.

He added that they have been met with unnecessary hostility and now want intervention from the Kenyan government.

The incident has once again raised questions on the relationship between the two countries.

Kenya and Tanzania have been wrangling over a number of products, the latest being Kenyan-made confectioneries after rejecting certificates of origin issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Last month, Tanzania snubbed a deal that allowed Kenya to export confectioneries to the country, claiming that Kenyan manufacturers had an unfair competitive advantage over their neighbouring competitors.

Source: Kenyans