In 1976, on Jamhuri Day, the tension between Kenya and Uganda reached a critical point, with US Marine Corps jets performing a symbolic fly-past over Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta, holding his fly-whisk, saluted as a show of strength. After, Idi Amin addressed the Organization of African Unity (OAU), denying any subversive activities against Kenya.
The backdrop of the conflict was Amin’s territorial claims on Kenya, partly fueled by alleged incitement from Somalia’s Siad Barre, who also asserted a similar claim on Kenya’s North Eastern Province. Adding to the strain, Kenya’s support for Israeli commandos in the Entebbe raid and an economic blockade on Ugandan goods at the Mombasa Port further escalated the situation. With Uganda possessing Soviet-made military equipment, including jet fighters and tanks, Kenya found itself in a precarious position.
In dire need of assistance, the Kenyan government urgently sought financial and military aid from the United States. However, the reality did not align with the urgency, as the delivery of F-5E jets from the US was expected to take 24 months. Pilot training was also factored into the timeline, highlighting the challenging circumstances Kenya faced.
To send a strong message, Kenya proposed a fly-past on Jamhuri Day with US planes. Jomo Kenyatta communicated this to US President Gerald Ford in a letter on September 28, 1976, emphasizing that it would showcase the friendship between the two nations and discourage potential troublemakers. President Ford responded on October 20, 1976, affirming the commitment to fulfill Kenya’s request. The US Navy ship USS Guam arrived in Mombasa with the jets, and its crew formed ‘Kenya 76’ on the flight deck.
The strategic display of might and the presence of supportive allies had the desired effect. Idi Amin abandoned his plans against Kenya, redirecting his annexation ambitions to Tanzania’s Kagera Region. This shift ultimately contributed to Amin’s ouster as the President of Uganda.
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