By Ahmed Salat Ali | Political Affairs Reporter
The national government has suspended the construction of a proposed multi-agency security installation along the Moyale–Marsabit–Isiolo road corridor following rising tensions over a disputed boundary between Wajir and Marsabit counties.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the corridor had been identified as a major route for transnational crimes, including arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and human trafficking, prompting security agencies to recommend the establishment of a multi-agency security facility to strengthen surveillance and security operations in the region.
According to the statement, the proposal emerged after extensive consultations among regional security agencies and submissions made during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum.
The Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee subsequently initiated the process of setting up the facility, with the Eldas NG-CDF approving funds for the project.
However, the government later established that the proposed site lay within a contested boundary area claimed by both Wajir and Marsabit counties, sparking political friction and concern among residents from the two neighbouring counties.
“To address the impasse, leaders from the two counties convened a high-level meeting and resolved to discontinue construction at the disputed site,” the statement read.
The government further directed the North Eastern and Eastern regional security teams, led by Regional Commissioners John Otieno and Jacob Muganda respectively, to identify an alternative location for the security installation in consultation with the National Security Council.
Officials also clarified that the planned facility would serve national security interests and would not belong exclusively to either county.
In an effort to ease tensions, leaders and National Government Administrative Officers were instructed to hold public barazas aimed at promoting dialogue, restoring calm, and fostering unity among affected communities.
The Cabinet Secretary further noted that the longstanding boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties would be handled by the relevant government institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), alongside similar disputes across the country.
“I commend the leaders for their wisdom, restraint, and cooperation in prioritising peace, security, and the wellbeing of their people,” Murkomen stated.
He assured residents that the government would fast-track the establishment of the security facility once a mutually agreed site is identified.
The meeting brought together senior political leaders from both counties. Those present from Marsabit included Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Senator Mohamed Chute, County Woman Representative Amina Waqo, Saku MP Dido Raso, and Moyale MP Jaldesa Guyo.
The Wajir delegation comprised Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Abbas Mohamed, County Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow, Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Wajir North MP Abdi Saney, Wajir East MP Aden Daudi, and Tarbaj MP Hussein Barre.
The development is expected to calm tensions in the region as the government works toward a long-term solution that balances national security priorities with local sensitivities and inter-county relations.
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