Don’t beat drums of war on Migingo, says Gideon

By Standard Reporters

Kanu Vice-Chairman Gideon Moi has called for a diplomatic solution to the Migingo ownership row.

Gideon cautioned politicians and activists against issuing inflammatory statements over the issue.

He said provocative statements from both countries would hurt the long time friendly East African neighbourhood and trading bloc.

"The drums of war should not be beaten at this time. We should instead opt for ways that would retain our friendship with Uganda and foster integration," he said.

Gideon was speaking in Nandi North District after a church service at Africa Inland Church in Lolkeringet.

He said during he Kanu administration, the Government would resolve regional wrangles through special emissaries.

"Kanu had able people who could mediate in such situations on behalf of the country," he said.

Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat warned that the country’s borders were vulnerable to annexation because of the wrangling in the Coalition Government.

Tourism Minister Najib Balala has proposed that the island row be taken to the International Court of Justice.

Mr Balala said the controversy, if not resolved soon, would be detrimental to the economy as it would scare away investors.

He was speaking after attending the opening of a Swedish cosmetic company, Oriflame, in Mombasa.

Meanwhile, hundreds of youth plan to demonstrate on Friday over the Government’s handling of the Migingo Island dispute.

On Sunday, youths from Kibera said they would march to the Uganda High Commission in Westlands, Nairobi, to protest against what they termed forceful occupation of Kenyan land.

Led by former Councillor Opete Opete, the group notified the police of the protest and asked Kenyans of "nationalistic ideology" to join them.