Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has halted construction of a planned multi-agency security facility along the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor following disputes over land ownership between Wajir and Marsabit counties. The decision came after a meeting with leaders from both counties on Friday, May 15. Clashes the previous day left several people injured.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration announced the suspension after protests erupted over the proposed site. Murkomen stated that construction would be discontinued and the site abandoned following lengthy deliberations with county leaders.
“This morning, we convened a meeting of leaders from the two counties to address the impasse. After lengthy deliberations, we resolved as follows: That the construction of the facility be discontinued and the site abandoned,” the statement read. The facility was meant to improve security along a corridor prone to arms, narcotics and human trafficking.
Clashes on May 14 in Saku, Moyale and Sololo sub-counties injured three people, with one hospitalized after being shot. Residents had demanded a halt to work until the land dispute is resolved. A new location will now be identified by security teams from North Eastern and Eastern regions in consultation with the National Security Council. Boundary issues will be addressed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
