MIGINGO, KENYA'S PRIDE AT STAKE

So our government has allowed the ugandans to take charge of our rocky outpost deep in the greatlake. i wish only a rocky outpost it was. Migingo is growing to be the latest grand scam for our ailing government that seems to be breaking every ounce of trust we could ever have for a government. Its hard enough to like a government doing its job, how much more one that seems to be sleeping on the job.

migingo at this point is more than a rocky outcrop to kenyans, its a symbol of national pride and kenyans are desirous to salvage it from the rough shod Ugandans who are taking advantage of every opportunity we accord them to further entrench themselves into it. lets examine the implications of the row to our national stature.

Fist of all, we are seeing an increase in public hatred towards Ugandans and this could hurt trade. the youth in Kibera who uprooted the railaway that passes throught the sprawling slum could simply be a taste of things to come. while they may have had other issues to deal with, the particular move to express their anger towards the Migingo issues by uprooting the railway that forms the connection between these two countries leaves alot to be desired. Kenyans are generally likely to become more suspicious of ugandans and lesc cordiality will be extended to them in general issues. We may see acts of surbotage in the border towns connecting the two countries and even vandalism of property belonging to Ugandans within the Kenyan borders. So long as kenyans feel their government is not in control, they will in one way or another begin to take the law into their hands.

Secondly, all our neighbours are watching closely how we are dealing with this situation and they will be careful to note that we are not aggresive at all in defending our soil. This potends many issues especially when we know that we have a long border with such a nation such as somalia. The Ethiopians have not been very cordial too on cross border issues. The Oromo Liberation Front has been accused of crossing over into the country and harrasing Kenyans from the north Eastern sections of the country. We are likely to see a growth in cross border invasions into our territory since we are not keen on protecting what we own

The third implication is a loss of pride of place in the graeter east african region. Kenyans will be perceived as weak and as push overs especially those livng in the wider East African Region. This will result in compensatory actions to dispel the notion. Such actions may include greater agression in issues within the region and in our dealings with foreigners. we could end up as a dangerous lot driven by an induced lower national self esteem. It may cause us to seek to 'prove ourselves' which may not be very healthy.

Kenyans have alsways thought they are the power house in East Africa with superior economic and military capabilities. The Migingo issues is doing alot to undermine this feeling of national pride and should be settled fast and convincingly.