Wajir stadium set for June completion as security team inspect progress, Commissioner Dismisses Insecurity Claim

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By Ahmed Salat Ali | Aaran TV Ke

The County Security Team, led by Karuku Ngumo, on Monday inspected the ongoing construction of the Wajir Stadium, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the site.

Addressing the media shortly after the tour, Ngumo said the 10,000-seater stadium is on course for completion before June, terming it a flagship national government project that will transform the region’s sports and economic landscape.

“The project is progressing well and we are confident it will be completed within the stipulated timeline. Over 1,000 local youths have been employed at various stages of construction,” he said.

Ngumo noted that once completed, the stadium will not only host football tournaments and other sporting events but will also stimulate economic empowerment for residents through job creation and growth of the sports industry.

“This facility will open up Wajir to major sporting activities and nurture local talent. It will enhance economic opportunities for our people,” he added.

The Commissioner acknowledged that electricity connectivity had initially posed a challenge but assured residents that the issue had been resolved.

“The power concern was raised with the relevant authorities and a generator has already been installed to ensure uninterrupted work. All departments are working closely to deliver on the promise made by the President,” he said.

Project Engineer Dennis Aloo also affirmed that construction remains on schedule, with strict quality control measures in place.

“We have a robust quality assurance team on the ground, including personnel from KDF. At peak capacity, over 1,000 youths are engaged in shifts running round the clock — three eight-hour phases — to ensure timely completion,” he said.

Commissioner Rebukes Insecurity Remarks

Ngumo also dismissed recent remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who reportedly described Wajir as a region plagued by banditry and insurgency.

“Wajir is one of the safest counties in Kenya today. While we have faced security challenges in the past, significant progress has been made. Leaders must be responsible and avoid baseless rhetoric that undermines the gains achieved,” Ngumo stated.

He warned politicians against making statements that could incite fear or misrepresent the county’s security situation.

Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants, Corrupt Officers

On the issue of undocumented foreigners, particularly from neighboring Ethiopia, the Commissioner reiterated that security agencies would continue enforcing the law.

“Any foreign national residing in the county illegally will face due process. We will not allow violations of immigration laws,” he said.

Ngumo further cautioned public officers against soliciting bribes for government services, especially the issuance of national identity cards.

“Identity cards are issued free of charge to eligible citizens. Any officer found demanding money will be arrested and arraigned in court. We will not tolerate exploitation of wananchi,” he warned.

County Steps Up Drought Mitigation

The Commissioner also lauded the Wajir County Government for scaling up drought mitigation efforts amid the ongoing dry spell affecting thousands of families across the county.

He revealed that more than 915 tones of food supplies that will support 40,000 households have been distributed across sub-counties, alongside water trucking programmes and livestock support initiatives aimed at cushioning vulnerable households.

“We appreciate the county government for injecting substantial food relief into the affected areas. No Kenyan should lose their life due to hunger. We are coordinating all available channels to ensure assistance reaches every affected household,” he said.

The security team concluded the tour by assessing security arrangements at the stadium site, assuring contractors and workers of adequate protection to guarantee smooth and uninterrupted completion of the project.