Raila rules out military intervention in Migingo

By Kepher Otieno

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ruled out military intervention to resolve the dispute over Migingo Island.

"Migingo row will be resolved diplomatically and not through the gun. The fight over the island is not about land, but its about fish," Raila said.

Some politicians last week called for the forceful eviction of the Ugandan Police from the island.

Raila asked Kenyans not be emotional about the tiny piece of land, which has sparked public acrimony.

"We cannot fight over ownership of Migingo Island with Uganda. Even Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni knows the island is ours, but is merely taking us for a ride, " said the PM.

He cautioned youths in Nairobi’s Kibera slums against uprooting railway line linking the two countries to protest at continued occupation of the island by Ugandan soldiers.

"We want the issue to be solved amicably. We have tangible documents dating back to 1904, 1947 and 1963 that clearly shows Migingo is ours," he said.

"We do a lot of trade with Uganda. And the fight is therefore unnecessary more so over an acre piece of land," he said.

Raila was speaking during the burial of Hellen Odero Ngede, mother of Bishop Ogonyo Ngede, chairman of Nyanza Church leaders at Rabuor in Kisumu East constituency.

"We can’t destroy our resources over Migingo. The issue is being handled by a team of experts from both sides and we are sure they will resolve it amicably," he said.