President Ruto ask Museveni to pardon 9 Kenyans detained in Uganda
President William Ruto has asked his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni to grant pardon to 9 Turkana herders currently detained in Uganda over murder allegations.
This followed a joint high level of security meeting held in Moroto, Uganda between representatives of the two neighboring countries.
“The leaders appeal to H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda to graciously exercise his prerogative power of mercy and grant pardon to the nine Turkana herders currently in Uganda prisons,” a joint communique read.
The representatives were led by East African Community Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Ugandan Security Minister, Jim Muhwezi.
The herders were arrested in March 2022 for allegedly killing five Ugandan officials, including three geologists and two military personnel.
President Ruto pledged that justice would be granted to Uganda.
“The Kenya Government have made a commitment to collaborate with the Uganda Government in carrying out thorough investigations on the killings of the Uganda nationals by suspected Kenyan herders and ensure criminals who were involved in the killing of the geologists are arrested and prosecuted,” the communique added.
Karamoja (Uganda) and Turkana communities along the border of the two countries are faced with numerous challenges including insecurity attributed to the proliferation of small arms and light weapon, limited economic and livelihood opportunities, impacts of climate change occasioning pro-longed cyclical drought and famine and limited infrastructure in the region.
The delegation also concurred that the two sister countries should consider establishing communication channels and networks to enhance effective communication, coordination on rapid action and conflict early warning and response.
They resolved to deploy adequate security forces on strategic points along the border, considering specific raiding routes and known hide-outs for bandits.
Kenya also resolved to cooperate and coordinate with Ugandan government in order to curtail herdsmen from crossing over to Uganda with illegal small arms and light weapons.
