Inside 'Vietnam': The hidden, dangerous fishing spot deep in Lake Nakuru National Park

For those who have watched documentaries and films referencing the Vietnam War, the mention of 'Vietnam' perhaps evokes feelings of fear, sadness and sorrow. Haunting images come to mind: dense jungles shrouded in mist and gunfire; soldiers caught between duty and despair; and a nation scarred yet unbroken.

But you don't have to travel to Asia to find Vietnam; right here in Nakuru, we have ours.

Though in a different part of the world, the description is the same. Vietnam is well known by those who make their way into the Lake Nakuru National Park to engage in fishing.

According to Dennis Kunga, a resident of Manyani, the name originated with the people of Nakuru Town West.

“People from Nakuru Town West were the first to fish here, and after a while they came to Nakuru Town East. They used to go through the 'kutega' section, and so, over time, they nicknamed that section 'Vietnam',” Mr Kunga says.

So why the name Vietnam?

“Firstly, it evokes a sense of danger because these individuals are trespassing in the National Park and are more likely to encounter wild animals. Additionally, the area is swampy, and there are lots of wild animals. It kind of emulates what we see in Vietnam War movies,” he says.

We also spoke to Alex*, who told us that he does engage in illegal fishing at the lake and sometimes goes to 'Vietnam' to catch fish.

"I have to admit that the danger is indeed very real. The rangers also know that this is a popular spot for people who want to fish. They are usually stationed there, and the thought of rangers hiding in the bushes, waiting to pounce on you at a moment's notice, does not escape you, meaning I always have to be on the look out,” he says.

He thinks the name Vietnam really befits the place and says that, although he has kind of got used to it now, the place is still frightening.

"The air there feels tense and charged with secrecy and danger. Drawing a comparison with the wars that took place in the dense forests of its namesake, this place has an air of conflict about it; it's a battlefield of a different kind. The tall grass hides quiet movements and soft whispers,” he says.

“Equally, just as the Vietnam War was characterised by struggle, survival and defiance, this secluded part of the park reflects that same spirit: a place where the law is defied, where desperation meets resilience and where nature silently bears witness to human conflicts and crimes,” he explains.

During the Brian Odhiambo trial, the name ‘Vietnam’ was mentioned several times by witnesses who cited it as one of the areas where most people go to catch fish.