This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
On November 20, 2019, the Kenyan Senate rejected a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the governments of Kenya and Uganda, which aimed to jointly administer Migingo Island on Lake Victoria.
The senators argued that the MoU was unconstitutional, as it would cede Kenyan territory to a foreign power. They also accused the government of Foreign Affairs, led by Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma, of treason for surrendering Kenya's sovereignty on Migingo to Uganda.
During a heated debate, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula stated, 'It is high treason to surrender an inch of our territory to any other sovereign. CS Juma is surrendering Kenya's sovereignty on Migingo to Uganda in violation of clear constitutional provisions.'
The senators were reacting to reports attributed to Dr. Juma, in which she announced that the two countries had signed an MoU to enable fishermen and other Lake Victoria users to access either side of the boundary.
Dr. Juma had said, 'Kenyans should know that these boundaries are shared by communities across the countries and we have to find a way to make them soft.'
The senators accused the government of pussyfooting and shirking its obligation to defend Kenya's territory whenever it is threatened by neighboring countries.
They cited the maritime dispute with Somalia and South Sudan's claim of the Elemi Triangle as instances where the government had acted weakly.
Minority Leader James Orengo, who served as Lands minister between 2008 and 2013, protested, 'Kenya is showing weakness on the Migingo issue.'
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to show strength as the commander-in-chief and protect Kenya's territorial integrity.
