Kenyans cross to Uganda as election nears

Hundreds of Kenyan nationals are fleeing to Uganda on daily basis ahead of the Tuesday general elections fearing a repeat of the 2007/08 post-election violence that took the country by surprise.

According to a source at Malaba border, majority of those fleeing are the Kikuyu, the tribe of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Majority of those entering Uganda have rented apartments in most parts of the country that include Malaba, Busia, Tororo, Bugiri, Iganga and Mbale among others.

Since the beginning of the election season, some of the Kenyan nationals have reportedly bought land or houses in the country and relocated their families.

Kenyans seeking clearance at Malaba immigration office

 
However, John Mike Omuut, a border migration officer, said majority of the people travelling are Ugandans who have been working or living in Kenya.

"It's true that we are receiving a number of people coming from Kenya into the country, but majority of them have been Ugandans working in Kenya who are returning back home. Like today we have received only two buses'' Omuut said on Friday.

New Vision discovered that majority of the Kenyans have opted to cross on foot while others are transported by boda boda cyclist through the porous border points to use Uganda taxis avoiding to pass through immigration.

Security situation has been put on alert and residents have been urged to be very conscious and report any suspect.

Speaking during a security meeting on Friday at Port Spring Villa Hotel, attended by boda boda cyclists, taxi drivers, LC1 chairpersons and security officials operating in the border sub-counties of Osukuru, Mella and Malaba town council,  the district internal security officer Tororo, Emmanuel Otim, cautioned the officials to be extra vigilant and help the security with intelligence reports.

He warned the landlords housing Kenyans to have all them registered using their national identification card numbers and submit a copy to the Police.