The Senate has launched an inquiry into reports of arrest and continued detention of Turkana pastoralists in Uganda.
Turkana Senator James Lomenen told the House that 32 Kenyan pastoralists from Urum and Lokiriama villages in Turkana County were allegedly arrested by Ugandan authorities in April, tried, and sentenced to 20 years in jail.
The legislator claimed the pastoralists were arrested by Uganda People's Defence Force and the police, in the guise of disarmament operation.
“It has been approximately four months since the arrest, yet we have not been made aware of any efforts by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to secure the release of the arrested pastoralists,” he stated.
Lomenen said it is imperative that the pastoralists are released as they deserve a fair legal process.
He said pastoralist communities on both sides of the border have maintained cultural and social ties and have followed migratory grazing patterns, moving their livestock seasonally to areas of greener pasture.
“This, however, has come under threat in the recent past with the constant harassment of Kenyan pastoralists by Ugandan authorities,” he regretted.
Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale said Kenya and Uganda are both signatories to the East African Treaty, which allows for the free movement of people, goods and labour.
“The President of Uganda and his Government cannot be paying lip service to the protocols of the East African Community,” he stated.
Lomenen said pastoralists in Turkana County have been facing recurring droughts that severely impact the availability of pasture and water for their livestock.
“Due to this, many pastoralists in the county are often compelled to cross over into the neighbouring country of Uganda in search of greener pasture and water sources to secure the survival of their livestock, which is their main and often only source of livelihood,” Lomenen stated.
House Speaker Amason Kingi referred the matter to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations.
