NAIROBI– The government has ordered the immediate suspension of the construction of a proposed multi-agency security facility along the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor following a dispute over the project site between Wajir and Marsabit counties.
In a press statement issued on Friday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the facility was intended to enhance security along the corridor, which has been identified as a major route for arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
“The Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor has been identified as a major conduit for arms, narcotics, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes,” Murkomen said.
According to the Interior Ministry, security agencies in the region and stakeholders during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum agreed on the need to establish a multi-agency security installation to strengthen security coverage in the area.
The Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee later initiated the process of setting up the facility, with Eldas NG-CDF approving funding for the construction.
However, the ministry said the identified location later emerged as a contested area between Wajir and Marsabit counties, triggering tensions among leaders and residents from the two neighboring counties.
Following a consultative meeting bringing together leaders from both counties, the government resolved to halt the construction and abandon the current site.
Murkomen said regional security teams led by North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno and Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Muganda would identify a new site for the project in consultation with the National Security Council.
“That the construction of the facility be discontinued and the site abandoned,” the statement read in part.
The Interior CS further clarified that the planned facility would remain a national security installation and not a county-based project.
Leaders and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) were also directed to hold public barazas to help ease tensions and foster peaceful coexistence between communities in the affected areas.
Murkomen also said the determination of the boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties would be handled by the relevant government institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“We commend the leaders for their wisdom and cooperation, and for putting the safety, peace, and security of their people first,” Murkomen said.
He assured residents that the government would fast-track the establishment of the security facility once a new site is agreed upon.
Among leaders present during the meeting were Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Senator Mohamed Chute, Saku MP Dido Raso, Moyale MP Prof. Jaldesa Guyo, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed, Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Wajir North MP Abdi Saney, Wajir East MP Aden Daudi, Tarbaj MP Hussein Barre, and Wajir West MP Yusuf Farah.
