Kabando Wa Kabando criticises Museveni’s Indian Ocean claims as political manoeuvre
By Faith Lagat, November 22, 2025Kabando Wa Kabando has accused Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni of using aggressive rhetoric over Indian Ocean access to shield Kenyan President William Ruto from mounting domestic pressure.
In a post on X, Kabando described Museveni’s claims as “chicanery to draw sympathy for his mentee puppet, Ruto,” linking the remarks to youth-led protests demanding Ruto’s ouster.
Kabando drew a historical parallel, likening Museveni’s statements to former Ugandan leader Idi Amin’s 1976 claims over Kenyan territory.
He said, “It’s akin to Idi Amin’s 1976 claims of Kenyan territory, to divert internal pressure after JM Kariuki’s murder. Sly M7 trying to save a besieged Zakayo. #RutoMustGo,” he wrote, referencing Ruto by his nickname “Zakayo”.
Amin’s declarations had invoked pre-colonial boundaries and claimed fertile lands close to Nairobi amid internal unrest following the assassination of Kenyan MP J.M. Kariuki.
Kenya responded by mobilising troops along the western border, with President Jomo Kenyatta warning, “Those who say their country extends from present borders, I advise them to go to hell and dream there. We shall have no one lay claim to our territory. We shall not give away an inch, not even a quarter of an inch.”
The Organisation of African Unity later reaffirmed post-independence borders, leading Amin to back down, although cross-border tensions continued.
Regional reactions and current context
Kabando’s critique comes after Museveni reiterated Uganda’s entitlement to the Indian Ocean on November 12, stating, “In the future, we are going to have wars if this is not sorted out,” while questioning Kenya’s naval capabilities.
He later clarified that the remarks were aimed at promoting regional cooperation on transit rights. Former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia highlighted Kenya’s lack of response.
“How can someone come to your territory and threaten you, and you keep quiet, no matter how weak you are?” Political analyst Herman Manyora cited past provocations, including border clashes in the late 1980s and a 2022 tweet from Museveni’s son, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, warning of a potential strike on Nairobi.
Kenya’s diplomatic response
Kenya has maintained a measured approach. Following Museveni’s November remarks, Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi held discussions in Uganda.
Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said, “President Yoweri Museveni was speaking metaphorically rather than to suggest that there was anything that was done in the manner in which he described it.”
Kenya continues to facilitate Uganda’s trade through facilities such as the Naivasha dry port and the Standard Gauge Railway without conceding sovereignty.