The government has stopped the construction of a multi-agency security facility along the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo Road corridor, following violent protests caused by a border dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties.

In a statement on Friday, May 15, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen said that the North Eastern and Eastern security teams led by the Regional Commissioners John Otieno and Jacob Muganda, respectively, will embark on a process to identify a new site for the construction of the multi-agency security facility, in consultation with the National Security Council.

Upon being set up, CS Murkomen said that the facility will be national in nature.

In a meeting held on Friday, May 15 morning, it was also resolved that leaders of the two counties, together with NGOs, will hold public barazas to diffuse tension in the area and bring the communities together.

Consequently, relevant government institutions, including IEBC, will now take up the role of determining the boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties, alongside other similar disputes nationwide.

“I commend the leaders for their wisdom and cooperation, and for putting the safety, peace, and security of their people first,” CS Murkomen said after the meeting. “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.”

Leaders from Marsabit County who were present were: Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Senator Mohamed Chute, Naomi Waqo (County MP), Col. Dido Raso (Saku), and Prof Jaldesa Guyo (Moyale).

From Wajir County, the leaders present were Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Abass Mohamed, Fatuma Jehow (County MP), MPs Adan Keynan (Eldas), Abdi Saney (Wajir North), Aden Daudi (Wajir East), Hussein Barre (Tarbaj) and Yusuf Farah (Wajir West).