Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo reassures on Migingo security

By SAMMY JAKAA

KENYA: Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo has pledged to end the dispute between Kenya and Uganda over Migingo Island.

Speaking in Malaba, Mr Kimaiyo said the two countries had resolved to work towards a lasting solution to the dispute. His Ugandan counterpart Kale Kayihura accompanied him.

The security chiefs stated that the two countries had already put structures in place to clear the “mess” surrounding Migingo Island.

Kimaiyo also said it was the duty of Kenya and Uganda to ensure that citizens of both countries living on the disputed island co-existed peacefully.

“We are headed for Migingo to establish how we can make sure our security personnel provide maximum security to our citizens staying on the island,” said Kimaiyo who assured Kenyans that the matter would be solved amicably.

He further said the mission of their visit was as per East Africa Community protocol, to ensure that residents live and trade without any problems.

Kayihura said they would ensure the mounting tension is cleared.

He said Kenyans and Ugandans have coexisted in peace since independence adding that there was need to ensure that nothing strains the relationship between the two states.

“There has been much tension over Migingo Island and we are committed to eliminating it since they are our people and they must be guaranteed total security,” said Kayihura.

No crisis

He added that there was no crisis on the island currently, saying their visit was a fact-finding mission to meet the residents and discuss pertinent issues of security.

“We want to ensure there is peace and coexistence between our two countries and this is the reason we are visiting the place,” he stated.

Tension was high on the island a few weeks ago when Uganda police allegedly whipped a Kenyan Administration Police officer in public.

Security chiefs

However calm has returned to the island with the assurance that the matter will be settled diplomatically. Last week, the Ugandan police impounded two tonnes of fish from Kenyans estimated at Sh500,000. The officers based at the disputed Migingo Island took the consignments of Nile Perch at gun-point. Migingo beach chairman Juma Ombori said the armed neighbours strayed into Kenya waters and took the stock from the fishermen at night.