Ruto reveals details of planned meeting with Museveni

 

President William Ruto on Saturday revealed details of his planned trip to Uganda next week on Tuesday.

Speaking to Homa Bay people, Ruto said that security concerns at the border involving Kenyan fishermen and Uganda's military will be among the agenda of his meeting his President Yoweri Museveni.

President Ruto assured the residents that he would consult Museveni on how best to resolve the conflict before it spirals into a full-blown diplomatic crisis. 

"You have talked about security. You have said that the fishermen are lamenting about theft and their lives being at risk. I am here to assure you that on Tuesday, I will pay a visit to Museveni and discuss how these things will work out," he said. 

"All we want is good neighboring relations, and we want our security forces to work together. I will sort it out. No need to worry," he added.

On her part, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga noted that the recent attacks hindered fishing activities at the lake, thus depleting the residents' main source of income. 

Wanga claimed that over 75 Kenyan fishermen were arrested while fishing at the lake in the past six months.

She said that some of the fishermen go missing at the hands of the Ugandan police.

"A cause for concern is that our fishermen are attacked by Ugandans and they end up getting kidnapped in the country. The Ugandans also steal our fish. They also attack our policemen. That is something that needs to be sorted out," Wanaga urged.

"There are coast guards who are mandated to protect the fishermen by capturing them instead of protecting us from the fishermen. Something needs to be done,"

"I know with your word, they will stop this habit so that we can continue forward," she added.

The remarks followed grievances raised by area residents who lamented that they were harassed and arrested while fishing in Lake Victoria. 

Ruto was speaking after he launched the construction of the Mfangano Island Ring Road at Suba North Constituency.

The head of state also assured the residents that he would address frequent electricity blackouts in the region. 

Ruto's statement was supported by  Wanga, who pointed out that the county and national government needed to work together to enhance service delivery.

"One thing I can agree with you is that it doesn't matter how the people voted, what matters is that we all work together. You all know that I was elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, but the Constitution requires us to work together to effectively provide services to Kenyans," she added.   BY TUKO NEWS