- Former MP Moses Kuria criticised President Museveni’s remarks suggesting Kenya should not claim exclusive rights to its Indian Ocean coastline
- Kuria warned that such rhetoric, possibly influenced by Museveni’s son, Muhoozi, could strain Kenya-Uganda relations amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa
- He urged Uganda to prioritise regional peace and cautioned against provoking unnecessary conflict with a long-standing ally
Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Former Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has weighed in on the near-diplomatic standoff between Kenya and Uganda following President Yoweri Museveni’s recent remarks concerning the Kenyan coastline.
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Speaking during an interview with Uganda’s national broadcaster on November 9, Museveni argued that the Indian Ocean ought not to be claimed by countries merely by virtue of geographical proximity.
Inside Museveni’s threats to Kenya
He used the analogy of an apartment, where tenants share certain strategic amenities. As such, Kenya, specifically, should not assert territorial ownership over the water body.
Museveni warned of future conflict stemming from Kenya’s control of its Indian Ocean coastline, hinting at leading a raid to capture the coast and the Mombasa Port.
Kuria suggested that the idea may have originated from Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who currently heads the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
He observed that Uganda should not be entertaining such notions at a time when tensions are escalating in the Horn of Africa, with Ethiopia pushing for access to the Red Sea against Eritrea’s objections.
Kuria noted that Kenya has long enjoyed cordial relations with Uganda, and therefore the issue of the coastline should not become a catalyst for unnecessary conflict.
“If he does not tame his son Muhoozi, his legacy will go up in smoke. At a time when the region is staring at war between Ethiopia and Eritrea over access to the sea, it is not time to threaten Kenya over the same. We enjoy excellent relations as neighbours, brothers and sisters. But do not take some jokes too far,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government dismissed Museveni’s remarks as non-threatening.
How Kenya reacted to Museveni’s threats
Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei assured the public of Kenya’s unwavering adherence to international territorial law and its pursuit of diplomatic solutions.
He reaffirmed the country’s dedication to peaceful engagement with neighbours.
Sing’Oei also underscored the wider goals of Kenya’s foreign policy as envisioned by President William Ruto’s administration.
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Day Museveni apologised to Kenya
A few years back, Museveni found himself owning up on behalf of his son and issued an apology to Kenya following a series of provocative tweets by him.
Muhoozi claimed he could lead Ugandan forces to invade Nairobi within two weeks.
The remarks sparked widespread backlash from Kenyans online and triggered diplomatic unease between the two nations.
In response, Museveni publicly reprimanded his son, citing the incident as a reason for his demotion from military leadership.
He expressed regret over the inflammatory statements and emphasised that it is inappropriate for public officials, civilian or military, to interfere in the domestic affairs of neighbouring states.
Museveni also conveyed his apology to both Kenyan citizens and Ugandans who may have been unsettled by the episode, confirming that he had shared these sentiments directly with President William Ruto.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
