42 Kenyans’ 20 years in prison; Uganda issues an ultimatum.
An order has been granted by Uganda for the release of forty-one Kenyans who are being held there for the alleged April deaths of two Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers and three geologists.
The nation of East Africa stated that it would not free the prisoners until it had determined who the primary suspects were in the crime.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi presented these reports while appearing before the National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee on Thursday.
He noted that the Foreign Affairs Ministry was working with its Ugandan counterparts to resolve the conflict, pointing out that President William Ruto is aware of the issue.
The Committee, led by Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai, questioned the alignment of the Ministry’s actions with the best interests of Kenyans.
Mudavadi explained that a mutual legal assistance framework exists between Uganda and Kenya under the East African Community Treaty.
This makes it easier for suspects to be brought back to the area where the alleged crime took place.
But the MPs questioned whether the framework covered prisoner exchanges as well. “In Uganda, authorities frequently detain pastoralists and fishermen on trespassing charges, often imposing fines before releasing them,” Mbai said.
The legislators asked Mudavadi to collaborate with Attorney General Justin Muturi in order to help the impacted Kenyans return home.
In addition, the Committee suggested building a dam for Turkana people in order to alleviate the difficulties they encounter during the dry season, which forces them to migrate to Uganda in pursuit of pasture and water for their animals.
The 41 Kenyans were jailed back in April for contravening Section 119 of the UPDF Act, which dictates that anyone found with weapons, ammunition, or equipment that is exclusive to the armed forces is subject to military law and will be tried by a court martial.
This also includes serving military officers and civilians. The Kenyans were convicted for 8 to 20 years imprisonment in Uganda.
42 Kenyans’ 20 years in prison; Uganda issues an ultimatum.
