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By Edward Akaki – Moroto
The 3rd infantry division of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces(UPDF) has today 6th/March/2023 released 6 Turkana suspects that were arrested together with 8 native Matheniko in a cordon and search operations in different areas of Karamoja.
Brigadier General Felix Busizoori Nim, the Deputy 3rd division commander said the suspects being released are among some Turkana elements who have continued to violate the peaceful co-existence between the two countries who were arrested along with 8 Matheniko and found with 4guns in their possession.
He appealed to the Kenyan counterparts to take necessary means and penalize the suspects for abusing the cross border security arrangements.
On his side upon receiving the suspects, the County Secretary and Head of Public Service in the Turkana County Government Peter Eripete thanked the government of Uganda for the chance to graze in the country and the handover of the suspects.
He however condemned any acts by some people who cross borders to do acts of criminality in either side of the country crossed to, adding that such crimes must be punished by whatever means confirming that the suspects will be tried by the Kenyan courts and for them to meet their fate.
Recently, the two governments of Kenya and Uganda held a meeting at Hotel AFricana, Moroto in a bid to build up on the MoU for co-existence in the pastoral regions of Karamoja and the neighboring Turkana.
In that meeting, Dr. John Erus, the Deputy Governor of Turkana County made an appeal to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to pardon the nine Turkana herders that were convicted by the Uganda Courts of Law.
But, Brig. General Busizoori, the nine convicted Turkana pastoralists is now above their jurisdiction and will high level strategic discussion that will give guidance to the next course of action.
He added that the 6 suspects handed over is on a gesture of east African Community partnership as sign of brotherhood pointing out that the eight Ugandan suspects arrested along with the Turkana will be arraigned before the courts of law for prosecutions.
