Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has suspended the construction of a multi-agency security facility along the Wajir–Marsabit corridor and ordered the abandonment of the initial site following a boundary dispute between the two counties.
In a statement, CS Murkomen stated that the corridor has been a route for the movement of illegal arms, narcotics, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
Security agencies had earlier agreed, during deliberations and submissions at the Jukwaa la Usalama forum, on the need to establish a multi-agency facility to strengthen security coverage along the stretch.
Wajir–Marsabit Standoff Leads to Cancellation of Proposed Facility Project
According to Murkomen, the Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee initiated the process of establishing the facility, with construction funding approved by the Eldas NG-CDF.
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However, it emerged that the area identified for the project is contested between Wajir and Marsabit counties, leading to friction among leaders and residents.
A meeting bringing together leaders from the two counties was convened to address the standoff.
Following deliberations, it was resolved that construction of the facility be discontinued and the site abandoned.
“We convened a meeting of leaders from the two counties to address the impasse. After lengthy deliberations, we resolved that the construction of the facility be discontinued and the site abandoned,” noted CS Murkomen.
The Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee initiated the process of establishing the facility, with construction funding approved through the Eldas NG-CDF.
However, it emerged that the area identified for the project is contested between Wajir and Marsabit counties, leading to friction among leaders and residents.
A meeting bringing together leaders from the two counties was convened to address the standoff.
Murkomen Scraps Site, Seeks Alternative Location
Following deliberations, it was resolved that construction of the facility be discontinued and the site abandoned.
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It was further agreed that security teams from the North Eastern and Eastern regions, led by Regional Commissioners John Otieno and Jacob Muganda, respectively, will identify a new site for the facility in consultation with the National Security Council.
Leaders, working together with National Government Administrative Officers, were directed to hold public barazas to ease tension in the area and bring communities together.
The determination of the boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties has been referred to the relevant government institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), along with other similar disputes across the country.
“Determination of the boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties, alongside other similar disputes nationwide, should be handled by the relevant government institutions, including IEBC,” noted Murkomen.
The Ministry indicated that steps will be taken to fast-track the establishment of the security facility once a new site is identified and called on residents to remain patient as the matter is addressed.
