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{
    "id": 803276,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/803276/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 163,
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    "content": "what is within the territory of Uganda. Tanzania has got a larger territory. In fact, the largest part of the lake is in the territory of Tanzania. These problems do not appear to be taking place between us and our Tanzanian brothers. However, there are constant problems involving fishermen from the surrounding counties of Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori. Madam Temporary Speaker, the serious thing about it is that it has got a reflection of how we are guarding our borders and defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity as a nation. I am glad that Sen. Wetangula is here. About five years ago we went to Migingo and from Muhuru Bay which is within Kenya Territory in Migori by boat it took us less than 45 minutes. In Uganda a motor boat leaving the nearest place to Migingo takes eight hours. The Ugandan Ministers we met at Migingo had to drive from Uganda through Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori in order to reach Migingo Island, yet when we got to Migingo Island the Ugandan police were in charge and the boats patrolling the island were from Uganda. There was no evidence of Kenya’s presence around the island, except for a few police officers on the island who were overpowered by Ugandan policemen. This conflict is coming to Siaya County where we have fewer islands, including Mageta, which is very important historically. That is where some Mau Mau patriots were imprisoned by the colonial government. It is a very important island with a big population. It is a matter of grave concern when it occurs that Uganda policemen can come into Kenya and arrest Kenyan police officers. The Head of State of Uganda, President Museveni, whom we respect, has been saying he sent military people because policemen are corrupt but he wants people who can deal with disputes about resources in the Lake and that is why he used military officers rather than police officers. I hope that our Committee on Security, Defence and Foreign Relations will take up this matter but more importantly the Kenya Government. The other day when we had a maritime dispute with Somalia who we are helping, Somalia took us to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and in the proceedings before the ICJ, round one was won by Somalia. Why can Kenya similarly not take a case to the ICJ on the issue of Migingo? While we await that, they should also make sure that fishermen in the lake are protected and they are not harassed by our neighbouring government. I hope that the relevant committee and the Government of Kenya will take note of what is happening in Siaya County. I thank you."
}