Murkomen halts construction of security centre on Marsabit-Wajir border

In a press statement issued on Friday, May 15, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the decision followed consultations between security agencies and leaders from the two counties under the Jukwaa la Usalama forum.

The proposed facility, which was to be funded through the Eldas NG-CDF, was intended to strengthen security along a corridor identified as a major route for arms trafficking, narcotics, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

However, the government noted that the proposed construction site lies in a contested area between Marsabit and Wajir counties, triggering friction and disagreements among local leaders.

Following a high-level meeting convened to resolve the standoff, officials agreed to discontinue the project at the identified site and initiate a fresh process to select an alternative location.

“It became apparent that the area identified for the construction of the facility is contested between Marsabit and Wajir Counties, and has since caused friction between leaders and residents of the two counties,” the statement read in part.

The meeting resolved that regional security teams led by the Regional Commissioners for the North Eastern and Eastern regions will identify a new suitable site in consultation with the National Security Council.

It was also agreed that the proposed installation will be a national facility, with leaders urging local administrators to hold public barazas aimed at easing tensions and restoring cohesion between the communities.

Additionally, the government directed that the long-standing boundary dispute between the two counties, along with other similar disputes nationwide, be addressed by relevant institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

 CS Murkomen commended leaders from both counties for their cooperation and urged residents to remain calm as a new site is identified.

“We wish to assure the residents of the two counties that we shall expedite the establishment of the security facility once a new site has been identified. We call for patience and understanding as the matter is addressed,” he stated.

Leaders from Marsabit present at the meeting included Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Senator Mohamed Chute, and area MPs among others.

From Wajir, those in attendance included Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Abass Mohamed, and several MPs led by Hon. Adan Keynan and others representing the affected constituencies.