Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya’s President William Ruto has rejected claims about Uganda gaining sea access through Kenya, stating that the East African country can achieve this only by collaborating closely with Nairobi using the infrastructure the nation has developed.
In an event in Tororo, Uganda, Ruto blamed propagandists for falsely attributing statements to Uganda, emphasizing that such claims would not undermine the partnership between the two nations.
Ruto indicated that Kenya would prolong the pipeline, Standard Gauge Railway, and roads into Uganda to facilitate transport from Mombasa. He noted that the nations would collaborate to generate employment and investments.
“I know that some people in journalism are trying to create an impression that Uganda had said something about the access to the sea by all means. I want to assure you that Uganda accesses the sea through Kenya, and this is why we’re not only extending the pipeline and railway but also roads to Uganda,” he said.
“We believe that this region needs to move ahead as one. Those who are engaging in negative talks, we want to tell them we have no time for it. We want to work together to create jobs and attract investments,” President Ruto added.
This follows media coverage of a viral video purportedly showing President Yoweri Museveni declaring that Uganda would secure its share of the Indian Ocean. These views were supported by Uganda People’s Defence Forces Chief Kainerugaba Muhoozi.
Muhoozi, son of President Yoweri Museveni, promptly backed Ruto’s remarks, criticizing the media for spreading divisive rhetoric between Kenya and Uganda. Nonetheless, he affirmed that Uganda would gain sea access through Kenya.
“I know journalists tried to create an impression that Uganda needs to access the sea by all means. Let me assure the naysayers. Uganda can access the sea through Kenya,” Kainerugaba Muhoozi said.
