Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Party Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator, has sharply criticized Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for publicly attacking Kenyan MP Babu Owino. The confrontation stems from Museveni’s recent remarks made during the launch event of Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairperson seat.
During his speech, Museveni accused Babu Owino of supporting anti-National Resistance Movement (NRM) movements in Uganda. The NRM is Uganda’s ruling party, led by Museveni himself. According to Museveni, his intelligence reports frequently revealed Owino’s involvement with groups opposed to his administration.
“There are some individuals in Raila’s group who think I don’t know what they are doing. I am a consumer of intelligence services. I always see intelligence service reports. There’s a character called Babu. I always see Babu dealing with anti-NRM groups in Uganda,” Museveni stated during his speech.
This public accusation marked the first time Museveni openly criticized Owino in such a direct manner. Despite his longstanding awareness of what he described as Owino’s activities, Museveni chose this event to reveal his grievances.
Sifuna’s response to Museveni’s comments was immediate and forceful. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sifuna condemned Museveni’s public approach, arguing that such matters should be addressed through appropriate diplomatic channels rather than in a public forum.
“Whatever beef Museveni has with Babu Owino, I strongly object to the manner of his attack on a young Kenyan leader on our own soil. Kenya is a country ruled by law, and if there is any objectionable conduct on the part of Babu, there are diplomatic channels to convey that to Kenyan authorities and let the law take its course. But to use a presidential podium to make such grave accusations against a Kenyan is a NO!” Sifuna declared on X.
Sifuna’s condemnation reflects broader concerns about the implications of Museveni’s remarks. By addressing the issue publicly rather than through diplomatic means, Museveni’s actions have been perceived as not only an inappropriate breach of protocol but also as an attempt to undermine Kenya’s sovereignty. The Kenyan political landscape, already charged with various internal and external issues, has found itself embroiled in this new controversy, drawing attention from both domestic and international observers.
The situation has prompted discussions about the appropriate methods for handling international grievances. Critics argue that public accusations can lead to diplomatic tensions and may set a precedent for how political disputes are managed on a global stage. Sifuna’s stance underscores the importance of adhering to established diplomatic procedures, which are designed to handle such issues discreetly and respectfully.
This incident also highlights the strained relations between the two neighboring countries and the broader regional political dynamics. Museveni’s accusations against Owino not only touch on personal grievances but also reflect the intricate political interactions that define East African politics.
As the debate continues, there is a call for both leaders to engage in dialogue through proper channels to resolve any misunderstandings. The hope is that such issues can be settled in a manner that respects both Kenyan sovereignty and regional diplomatic norms.
In the meantime, Sifuna’s criticism serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international relations and the importance of maintaining decorum and respect when addressing cross-border issues. As Kenya and Uganda navigate this diplomatic fracas, the focus will likely remain on how such disputes are managed in the future to prevent further escalations and maintain regional stability.
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