Fisherfolk from the Shella Beach Management Unit (BMU) led by their chairman Yunus Aboud protest enactment of the proposed new fisheries laws at the Malindi fish landing site on Sunday, September, 14, 2025. Photo by Ben Okweingoti 
By Ben Okweingoti
Malindi fisheries stakeholders on Sunday staged a peaceful protest at Shella fish landing site against the proposed Fisheries Management and Development Bill, dismissing it as unlawful and unconstitutional.
Led by Shella Beach Management Unit (BMU) officials, fishermen, and fishmongers — including men, women, and youth — the stakeholders accused authorities of failing to conduct meaningful public participation. They demanded that the proposed law be revoked and urged the government to draft legislation that protects, rather than victimizes, local communities.
Natural Justice, a non-governmental organization supporting the locals in defending their rights, faulted the authorities for sidelining grassroots voices. The group warned that if the proposed bill is enacted, local fishermen would be the hardest hit.
