MILITARY RULES OUT MIGINGO WAR

DAILY NATION
NAIROBI, KENYA
MARCH 13, 2009

The territorial dispute between Kenya and Uganda over a little island in Lake Victoria is an issue for map makers to iron out and not grounds for war, Chief of General Staff Jeremiah Kianga has said.

Speaking at the first ever press conference called by the military and which covered a wide range of defence issues, Gen Kianga dismissed the Migingo island dispute as a “non-issue” and a “minor misunderstanding” to be resolved peacefully.

“This is a non-issue as far as Defence is concerned. It’s a minor misunderstanding that can be settled quietly,” said Gen Kianga. “These are issues for cartographers (map makers).”

Hoisted their flag

Ugandan soldiers have dramatically landed on the island — which is surrounded by rich fishing waters — hoisted their flag and are requiring immigration documents from Kenyans visiting it, provoking MPs to call for a military response.

Thursday’s press conference represented a significant step for the normally secretive military and was a response to the negative publicity it has received with regard to its conduct of operations in Mt Elgon where it was accused of torturing and unlawfully executing villagers.

On terrorism, Gen Kianga said no Kenyan soldiers have crossed the border as claimed by al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked radical Somali militia. “The Kenya government has no intention of conducting activities in Somalia and we have no instructions against al Shabaab,” the CGS said.

Gen Kianga said that the manner in which Kenya handles the Migingo dispute will determine how it is viewed in the family of nations and in the region. “It’s for Kenya to decide where we should be ... that we will react in a sober manner and through peaceful methods. That’s what has happened,” he said.

He was speaking on Thursday at the Department of Defence headquarters in the first-ever scheduled Press conference between a Chief of General Staff and journalists. Vice CGS, Lt. Gen. Julius Karangi, and the Director of Military Intelligence, Brig Philip Kameru, attended the news conference.

Gen Kianga said that the extension of service for the CGS and the Vice CGS was the prerogative of the President as laid out in law and not the Armed Forces Standing Orders. He was referring to force regulations which require officers to retire after serving in the same rank for a certain period. Gen Kianga has served his four years and his term has been extended.

On the long-standing issue of a warship ordered for the Kenyan Navy but enmeshed in the Anglo Leasing Affair, Gen Kianga said that a committee of experts was considering the matter.

“They are in the final stages of discussions with the supplier and then we will determine — based on the cost — whether it will come or be disposed of,” he said.

The military chief also revealed that the Steyr trucks which have raised controversy had been subjected to fresh scrutiny following safety concerns and frequent accidents, some fatal.

On the military operation in Mt Elgon launched to stop the Sabaot Land Defence Force, Gen Kianga denied yet again that the military tortured residents. He said that the military wished to investigate torture claims but no victim had produced evidence.

Submitted by Mao008
Posted March 13, 2009 10:09 AM

For those who don't know or have chosen to be outright ignorant of facts, please rest assured that 'we' understand that Migingo is on the wrong side of kenya so the Ugandans can enjoy their stay. Who knows what next, may be even Kisumu is not in kenya and when they visit, we will be encouraged to pay taxes to Ug govt. That's what a 'Kenyan' believes and appreciates. good job Kianga

Submitted by kibosmaluche
Posted March 13, 2009 10:04 AM

What does Kenya lose or gain from having or not having this tiny island? Just let Uganda take it if they want. I dont think it is worth fighting for.

Submitted by newkijanaa
Posted March 13, 2009 09:31 AM

dont tribalise these issue you idiots. Aren't the IDPs from central and they are unsettled? The isue here is a cowardly military. And woe unto us if ethiopia, sudan, somalia, and tanzania decide to do the same. I wonder what these army clowns wd say if UG struck oil on our island?

Submitted by scanfish
Posted March 13, 2009 09:12 AM

Kenyans at the end of the day must understand that before decisions to go to war are made, diplomacy must be exhausted. After all, Kenya is still much stronger than Uganda and war is not like throwing stones.

Submitted by Chiawelo
Posted March 13, 2009 08:14 AM

I sort of expected the responses I am seeing posted here, and I am disappointed to say I was not disappointed.migingo is of no strategic importance at all to us. Uganda might be using the issue to rubble rouse its military but I say we are way too big for that. its not worth a fight. Sober up guys.

Submitted by raviedor
Posted March 13, 2009 08:09 AM

So Gen. Kianga why do you come too late after Kenyans have already been subjected to all manner of harassment from these idiots. Uganda has her own army at Migingo and the other day they went to the extent of arresting some APs there. Isn't this evidence enough that all is not well? Why didnt Uganda wait for the 'map makers' to give their verdict before deploying their military? Surely bwana CGS you must be seen to be in control.

Submitted by georgeabuso
Posted March 13, 2009 07:57 AM

I strongly agree with my friend who says that were Central people be fishing in Migingo then the military would have been deployed to protect them because all the military in charge come from central. This is why we wanted devolution. Kibaki cannot play with Kenyans security and please his friend Museveni. We want swift action on Migingo issue

Submitted by scanfish
Posted March 13, 2009 07:33 AM

The military stopped Kenya from sliding into civil war in feb 2008. Typically shortsighted, ungrateful and reckless Kenyans trying to politicise their role with dumb tribalism must remember that always.

Submitted by emahaya
Posted March 13, 2009 07:20 AM

The military acted swiftly to contain the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SDLF) in Mt. Elgon District but have now turned a blind eye on Kenyans living on Migingo island who suffer constant harassment from the Ugandan military and marine police. Kenyans in Migingo encounter all manner of extortion and 'terror' from these folks and are being compelled to pay taxes to the Ugandan government. Can someone come clear on this? Is the government not concerned about the sovereignty of the State and loss of revenue in taxes?

Submitted by mawuololo
Posted March 13, 2009 06:35 AM

What bogus from the CGS. Worse bogus that than the load of crap from the president the other day when he came out to lecture us on the size of his family. Like we care!

Submitted by njerirose24
Posted March 13, 2009 05:18 AM

Let us face the truth. Had it been that Kenyans from Central Kenya are the fishermen, immediate actions could have been taken. If it is true that the island is debt settlement for the services offered in 2008, let Kenyans know. Let us know whether Kenya wants to go Sudan style.

Submitted by Kareri
Posted March 13, 2009 03:10 AM

Gen. Kianga's assertion that Migingo island is not the military's problem but that of map makers is wrong. Territory must always be protected and not on the basis of size but sovereignty. Uganda is pouring troops in Migingo while Kenyan armed forces behave like Kenyan politicians. What a country!

Submitted by tuska
Posted March 13, 2009 02:26 AM

We have a cowardly military that cannot defend our waters from the pirates. They cannot defend our territory and they are only good at torturing civilians.

Submitted by wanmt
Posted March 13, 2009 02:01 AM

It is unfortunate that these officers want the map to be re-drawn. The way we understand it is that matters involving foreign encroachment are for the CIC. I hope the CIC overrules these officers. The only way Museveni will surrender the island back and respect Kenya is military action by Kenya. Amin Dada wanted Kenyan land and the the Kenyan regime ammassed forces along the K-U border and Amin had cold feet and stopped.

Submitted by wawerugithiri
Posted March 13, 2009 01:41 AM

What a professional soldier, Gen Kianga is. Poor countries cannot afford to go to war over a small island whose its economic viability is only ascertained by a few boatloads of fish. What have people of Luo Nyanza done with the rest of idle but highly potential land. They should be ashamed that they are ranked with North eastern provence in terms of poverty. Raila should call them on Mass Action to develop Nyanza not promising then Manner from Heaven.

Submitted by okello01
Posted March 13, 2009 12:14 AM

Who doesn't know Kenyan military is chiefly ceremonial;parade and shine boots period!Wake up CGS the reality is that soldiers are there to defend the country against external aggression.Is this not a classical example of external aggression?.Wait for ceremonial occassions! Former corporal.

Submitted by bobcat
Posted March 12, 2009 10:51 PM

Why do we even pretend that this is a professional force,look at their names,it looks like every president comes with an army from his village,n yet even prominent columnists say don't tribalize or politicize the army.Self deceit is our undoing in Kenya