Ruto vows to defend Kenya's claim to Migingo Island, protect fishermen from harassment
Ruto emphasised that while Kenya will firmly protect its rights, it remains committed to peace and regional cooperation.
President William Ruto has vowed to protect Kenyan fishermen and defend the country’s claim to Migingo Island, promising to use all lawful means, including diplomacy, to resolve the long-running dispute with Uganda.
Speaking at the 5th Piny Luo Festival in Migori County on Wednesday, Ruto emphasised that while Kenya will firmly protect its rights, it remains committed to peace and regional cooperation.
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“Migingo is part of Kenya,” the President declared. “Because it is part of Kenya, we will ensure, using diplomatic methods and all other lawful avenues, that our citizens are not harassed by the soldiers of other countries. We want peace so that our people can do business and move our nation forward.”
The remarks came in response to appeals by Siaya Governor James Orengo, who called on the national government to take decisive action, citing repeated harassment of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan security forces.
“Ugandans are coming from across and troubling our people. We are asking you to intervene in the matter of Migingo completely,” Orengo said.
President William Ruto assured leaders and residents that the Migingo Island issue remains a top priority for his administration, emphasising that Kenya will continue to protect its fishermen and uphold its territorial rights while maintaining friendly relations with Uganda.
At the lakeside rally, he framed the dispute within the broader context of Kenya–Uganda relations, highlighting dialogue, cooperation, and shared prosperity as the foundation for bilateral ties.
On July 30, Kenya and Uganda signed eight new agreements during President Yoweri Museveni’s visit to Nairobi, adding to 17 existing accords. The agreements cover sectors such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture, mining, transport, standards and quality assurance, investment promotion, and the development of the Greater Busia Metro.
“We are united in our commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and delivering shared prosperity, while working together towards a stronger and more integrated region,” Ruto said.
He noted that negotiations on cross-border resource sharing, including Lake Victoria fisheries, are ongoing, and expressed optimism that a comprehensive agreement would soon be reached.
Ruto also acknowledged that shared resources like Lake Victoria require joint management but stressed that cooperation must not compromise the safety and livelihoods of Kenyan citizens. He highlighted the need to address non-tariff barriers and security concerns affecting fishermen and small traders.
The Migingo dispute has also been raised in parliamentary diplomacy.
Earlier this month, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula met with Uganda’s General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, calling for a common security framework to protect fishermen.
“Our focus is on cooperation, safeguarding the lake’s ecosystem, and ensuring our fishermen can work without fear of harassment,” Wetang’ula said.
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