Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has demanded mutual respect from Uganda in a tiff over Migingo Island.
In a move meant to calm local fishers' concerns, Dr Matiang'i said his officers were under instructions to protect Kenyans from what he termed torture by foreign security personnel.
The remarks came as a fresh dispute between Kenya and Uganda over the control of Migingo appeared to subside. That row started in 2009 and previous leaders have unsuccessfully tried to solve it.
But the CS said Kenya will continue to respect Uganda and expect the same as is tradition and expected of friendly neighbours.
RESPECT
"Respect is two ways. You cannot be fighting us and you want us to give you peace. We will protect our people by all means," he said, assuring Kenya will not pick unnecessary quarrels but will demand its rights.
He added: "A good neighbour does not disturb others and always embraces understanding. We will work day and night to ensure the safety of our people."
Kenyan fishermen have for long decried harassment by the Ugandan forces on the island.
FISHERMEN COMPLAIN
The fishermen have complained about arbitrary arrests, extortion, heavy taxes and fines and fishing restrictions imposed by the Ugandans.
The CS was speaking in Kisii after a meeting with security chiefs from the region where he assured Nyanza residents of their security.
"We are working day and night to resolve the Migingo row," he said.
The row over administration of the island escalated about two weeks ago when the Ugandan officials allegedly lowered the Kenyan flag on the disputed island and deployed heavy security forces.
