Shock as Fishermen Recover 20 Live Bombs from Lake Victoria in Back-to-Back Discoveries

The first incident unfolded on Sunday, March 1, at Litare Beach, where a group of fishermen believed they had netted a massive catch when their nets snagged a heavy metal box. Upon opening it, they discovered live explosives and ammunition inside, prompting some to abandon the find on the shore in fear while others alerted police. The following day, March 2, another fishing crew at nearby Koguna Beach made a similar alarming discovery, recovering 14 more propellant-type bombs—also containing bullets—hidden in a metal container or cargo net, bringing the total to 20 within 48 hours.

The discoveries have sparked widespread fear among communities along the Lake Victoria basin in the Nyanza region, with residents and fishermen urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects immediately. Police quickly secured the explosives, describing them as highly dangerous and capable of causing serious harm if mishandled. No injuries were reported in either incident, but the events highlight ongoing risks in the lake's waters. The recovered devices were transported to Mbita Sub-County Police Headquarters for safekeeping and are awaiting safe disposal by the Bomb Disposal and Hazardous Materials Unit based in Kisumu City.

Such findings are not unprecedented in Lake Victoria, where historical remnants from past conflicts—including colonial-era explosives—occasionally surface. Previous incidents include the recovery of six mortar bombs by Homa Bay fishermen in August 2021 and colonial-period devices in a rusty wooden box in 2019. Authorities have emphasized the need for caution among fishing communities, as these dormant explosives continue to pose threats to livelihoods and safety in one of Africa's largest freshwater bodies. The back-to-back recoveries have renewed calls for thorough investigations into the origins of these dangerous items hidden in the lake.