Martha Agutu blocks the Kenya Coast Guard's Nyagina beach eviction

A judge slammed the brakes on a looming beach eviction, letting silver cyprinid ("Omena") livelihoods survive a power move that nearly erased a Lake Victoria worksite.

Court blocks beach eviction

• Martha Agutu ordered a pause against removals at Nyagina beach.
• Froze actions by the Kenya Coast Guard Service.
• Keeps traders and fishermen operating during proceedings.
• Ruling stands until the case wraps up.

Eviction threat that sparked panic

• Kenya Coast Guard Service issued a verbal clear-out demand.
• Ordered departure by January 27 after notice on January 21, 2026.
• Pressure landed with Mbita Sub-county officials present.
• Fear spread across Rusinga Island traders.

Omena work and land history

• Silver cyprinid traders dry fish along Lake Victoria’s shoreline.
• The land sits registered to Suba County Council.
• Area marked specifically for Nyagina Beach use.
• Practice stretches back many years.

Case filed at Mbita court

• Joseph Kaseu moved the dispute into the Mbita Magistrate Court.
• Targeted the Attorney General and local administrators.
• Challenged the legality of the eviction attempt.
• The argument leaned on long-held possession and designation.