Migingo and Ugingo belong to Kenya, Declares Kibaki on Madaraka Day
President Kibaki acknowledges greetings from Kenyans on arrival for the 48th Madaraka Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi June 1, 2011. He said the Migingo and Ugingo islands lie squarely on Kenyan territory. pic by PPS courtesy of the Daily Nation |
By WALTER MENYA, Daily Nation, wmenya@ke.nationmedia.com
NAIROBI, Kenya_Kenyan President, Mwai Kibaki has stated that the disputed islands of Migingo and Ugingo belong to Kenya, and announced that the country was committed to providing security for all.
The President, who has often maintained a studious silence over the row with Uganda over the islands said Kenya would opt for diplomacy rather than use of force to resolve disputes with its neighbours.
“I would like to reiterate the Government¹s unrelenting commitment to the provision of security for all. Measures have been taken to contain all forms of crime across the country.
We have intensified patrols along our borders,” the President said during celebrations to mark Madaraka Day at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi Wednesday.
"I also wish to reassure all Kenyans that the Islands of Migingo and Ugingo lie squarely on Kenyan territory in Lake Victoria. There should, therefore, be no cause for alarm on this issue.”
Uganda claims Migingo and Ugingo islands are in their territory and have stationed marine police in the both locations on Lake Victoria. Kenyans living in the island have often complained of harassment by Ugandan authorities to whom they pay taxes to be allowed to fish.
The rocky patches in Lake Victoria nearly brought Kenya and Uganda to war. Migingo's wealth lies in its proximity to some of the richest remaining deep-water fishing in Lake Victoria.
President Kibaki’s assurance to the country over security also comes in the wake of the killing of 40 Kenyans by Merille militia who crossed over from Ethiopia early May this year.
The killings raised tension and criticism of the military mounted when Prime Minister Raila Odinga blamed the defence forces for failing to secure the country’s borders.
Since the killings, President Kibaki and Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi have met twice, the most recent being on the sidelines of the Second India-Africa Forum, which was held in Addis Ababa from May 20 to 25.
The two regional leaders also held discussions in Kampala during the inauguration of President Yoweri Museveni. In addition, the threat of Somali terrorist group al Shabaab continues to worry authorities in Nairobi.
Despite the tough talk, the president emphasised the need for dialogue with neighbours to resolve conflicts.
“We should always remember that Kenya is the biggest promoter of regional integration. Let us always aspire to live harmoniously with our neighbours.
"A peaceful region holds much promise for our people who have the great potential to do business and get jobs across our borders,” he said in his call for diplomatic efforts to end conflicts with neighbouring states.
Read the President's full speech here >>
To read or add views to the conversation click here >>
Other recent Ushindi church news
Ushindi Pastor to Stay, Judge Rules
Bishop Long Settles with Accusers
Kenyans win Local Marathon Race
Dracut-Based Health Career Training School Gives Hope to Hundreds of Immigrant Workers
Destitute Children in Nakuru Dumpsite Wait for Any Miracle
Church Saga: Dr.Karimi Back in Court Tuesday May 24
Fracas Erupt at Ushindi church over Controversial Affidavit
Judge Orders PNNE to Hold Ushindi Church Funds
Ushindi Church Sues Former Board Members, BofA
Former Ushindi Pastor to face Criminal Probe for Sexual Abuse; Tensions Flare in Church
Ushindi - PNNE Struggle to find Solution amid Church crisis
PNNE to Hold Meeting on Ushindi Church
Kenyan Pastor Defrocked after Sex Scandal, Parishioners Dismayed
Kenyan Pastor Found Guilty of Sex Abuse in Boston
Church Elder bolts off to Win in heated Couples’ Race
Ushindi Women’s Guild celebrates week, promises restoration of lost things
Don’t Produce Gospel Music for Profit only, Kenyans Advised as New Artist Launches CD
Cross - Atlantic Teamwork helps Raise Ksh. 1 Million for Kenyan Church
Don’t Underrate Yourselves, Renowned Artist tells Kenyans
Other Recent Top Ajabu News
Kenyans win Local Marathon Race
Dracut-Based Health Career Training School Gives Hope to Hundreds of Immigrant Workers
Destitute Children in Nakuru Dumpsite Wait for Any Miracle
Church Saga: Dr.Karimi Back in Court Tuesday May 24
IMF Rape Case:Victim Bashing Run Amok
IMF Chief Accused of Attempted Rape of an African Immigrant
Opinion:Foundations of a Kenyan Community, Second To None
Obama's Money: Heavy on Treasuries
Kenyan Humanitarian visits Boston -May 15-20th
Kenyans in New England Set to Form Civic Organization, Plan Madaraka Day Barbeque, Sunday June 5
Presbyterian Church Approves Ordination of Gay People
Immigrant Entrepreneurs:Creating More Jobs for Americans
Fracas Erupt at Ushindi church over Controversial Affidavit
Young Africans Who Want to be Porn Stars
African Hair Braider Sues for Right to Work without a License
Multi-National church in Lowell Celebrates 12th Anniversary
East Africans Celebrate Easter, Look Forward to Mother's Day
Kenyan Diaspora Voter Mapping Deadline Extended
Sierra Leoneans Celebrate 50th Independence Anniversary in style
Meet the New Kenyan Envoy to the UN
Return to Home Page
|
