Kenya’s President Affirms Sovereignty Amid Fishermen Harassment Concerns
Kenyan President William Ruto has reiterated that Migingo Island belongs to Kenya, promising to deploy “all lawful means” — including diplomacy and other channels — to ensure Kenyans living and working there are protected from harassment and security threats.
Speaking on 17 December 2025, at the 5th Piny Luo Festival in Migori County, Ruto responded to rising concerns from local leaders and residents about repeated incidents involving Kenyan fishermen facing intimidation and arrests by Ugandan security forces in the contested waters of Lake Victoria.
“Migingo is part of Kenya,” Ruto declared to loud approval, stressing that his administration will ensure that Kenyans can fish, trade, and carry out economic activities on the island without fear of harassment. He said Kenya would use diplomatic measures and all other lawful avenues available to safeguard its citizens’ rights and uphold territorial integrity.
The issue of frequent arrests and alleged mistreatment of Kenyan fishermen around the tiny but economically significant island — strategically located in Lake Victoria — has been raised repeatedly by local officials and national politicians, prompting a push for stronger government action.
A Renewed Focus on Peace and Cooperation
While asserting Kenya’s sovereign claim, Ruto also emphasised that the government values peaceful bilateral relations and regional cooperation, particularly with neighbouring Uganda. He underlined that protecting citizens does not mean abandoning diplomatic engagement but rather strengthening it to reduce tensions while enforcing Kenyan rights.
Indeed, the Kenya–Uganda relationship — especially around shared natural resources like Lake Victoria — has long required careful management, balancing national interests with economic interdependence and regional integration efforts.
What This Means for Kenyan Fishermen
The president’s remarks come amid growing calls from local leaders — including Siaya Governor James Orengo — for decisive national action to end harassment and improve conditions for fisherfolk whose livelihoods depend on Lake Victoria’s rich resources.
Ruto’s promise aims to reassure communities that the Kenyan government stands firmly behind them and will pursue measures to protect their safety and economic activities, even as Nairobi continues dialogue with Kampala on cross-border issues affecting security, commerce, and resource management.
References
AllAfrica. (2025, December 17). Kenya: Ruto vows diplomatic, all legal means to resolve Migingo dispute with Uganda. AllAfrica. https://allafrica.com/stories/202512170392.html allAfrica.com
TUKO.co.ke. (2025, December 17). William Ruto declares Migingo Island is Kenya’s, vows to protect Kenyans living there: “By all means”. TUKO.co.ke. https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/612928-william-ruto-declares-migingo-island-kenyas-vows-protect-kenyans-living-means/ Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.
NairobiLeo.co.ke. (2025, December 17). Ruto speaks on arrest of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan police at Migingo Island. NairobiLeo.co.ke. https://nairobileo.co.ke/news/article/24688/ruto-speaks-on-arrest-of-kenyan-fishermen-by-ugandan-police-at-migingo-island Nairobi Leo
Parliament of Kenya. (2025, December 17). Regional Integration Committee calls for resolution of Migingo Island dispute. https://www.parliament.go.ke/regional-integration-committee-calls-resolution-migingo-island-dispute Parliament of Kenya
