Hon. Protus Akuja (Loima) has raised concerns about the plight of 41 Kenyan herders from Turkana County who are serving jail sentences of between eight and 40 years in Uganda.

Hon. Akuja, who was presenting a public petition on the matter before the National Assembly told the House that the herders were court martialed in Uganda, despite protest from Kenyan authorities.

The Member told the House that the herders were taken through a one day court martial trial by the Ugandan Defence Forces, without any legal representation or right to appeal contrary to the Kenyan Constitution.

"A majority of those convicted are minors below 18 years who were rounded up in their clans over claims of being in possession of illegal arms and ammunition," said Hon. Akuja.

The MP told the House that the issue had been brought to the attention of the Kenyan Government by local leaders, but no action has been taken so far. He added that information on which prison the convicts are being held had also not been provided.

Members who weighed in on the matter said the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs must act with speed to secure release of the affected Kenyans.

The petition has been committed to the Public Petitions Committee for action.