CS Murkomen halts construction of security installation at Basir over boundary tussle

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered temporary halt into the ongoing construction of a multi-agency security installation at Basir over boundary tussle spitting Wajir and Marsabit counties.

This comes a few days after a viral video clip showed a heated exchange of words between a local elder and security personnel accompanied by some Sololo elders.

Speaking on Tuesday while appearing before the National Assembly’s security committee, Murkomen said the alleged encroachment attempt raised by Moyale Member of Parliament Guyo Waqo was initially identified to be constructed at Tito sub-location in Basir division of Eldas constituency in Wajir County.

However, the MP rejected his opening statement, tabling a map for scrutiny and saying the CS’s information was incorrect and misleading.

“Murkomen, I am getting disturbed. Your opening statement is misleading, and if that is the information you have been given by the people being accused, then I have no business asking that question,” said MP Guyo

In a quick rejoinder, CS Murkomen told the committee that he has no personal interest in the matter other than to submit his written response to various questions asked by members of parliament on a number of security issues.

In his report, Murkomen told the MPs that the installation of a multi-agency security centre at Basir was agreed upon as a result of the recommendations from his Jukwaa La Usalama forum held in Wajir on 24 Sept, 2024.

“The area has been identified as a major conduit for arms, OLF, narcotics and human trafficking. Consequently, following several deliberations by Wajir security agencies and submissions during Jukwaa La Usalama, it was noted that due to the long distance, rough terrain, armed militia, compromised community leaders and government officials, there was a need for multi-agency facility at Basir to enhance security coverage,” Murkomen noted.

The security report tabled also detailed how earlier deliberations identified Malka-Titu, about 4KMs from Wajir-Marsabit boarder drew opposition from Marsabit residents, forcing the team to go back to drawing board with recommendation of a joint elders meeting held on 9th Jan, 2026 at the DCCs office in Basir.

“The Sololo team requested for 30 days to sensitize the community but no response was received from them hence the need for identification of alternative site about 11KMs from Marsabit-Wajir boarder to allow the Eldas NG-CDF to go ahead with the construction of the security installation on 4th April, 2026,” Murkomen added.

The report drew sharp scrutiny from Marsabit leaders including Women Representative Naomi Waqo and Saku MP Dido Ali Rasso.

The CS has ordered regional security teams to conduct more public barazas and give feedback on the way forward.

“I have told the regional security team to halt the construction to hold more barazas. It does not matter for us weather the facility falls in Wajir or Marsabit. The fact is that there is a security problem in that area. If the area falls in Marsabit, then maybe Moyale NG-CDF can help us construct or to avoid all these opt for cost-sharing,” Murkomen suggested.