By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
Kenya, 16 May 2026 - The government has suspended the construction of a multi-agency facility at the centre of a border dispute between Marsabit and Wajir counties in a move aimed at de-escalating tensions following violent protests that left two people dead.
The announcement was made on Friday after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen met with leaders from both counties in Nairobi.
On Thursday violent protests were witnessed in Moyale town with two people reportedly killed while others were left injured and businesses of unknown value destroyed.
Tension has been building following the commencement of construction of Multi-agency facility by the Eldas Constituency Development Funds, however Marsabit leaders laid claim of the area saying its part of Marsabit County, and this sparked vicious war of words from leaders from both counties who insisted the area belongs to their counties.
The Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor has been identified as major conduit for arms, narcotics, human trafficking and other transnational crimes
The CS said following several deliberations by the security agencies in the region and submissions during the Jukwaa la usalama forums a consensus has emerged to establish a multi-agency facility along the stretch to enhance security coverage.
“Wajir security and intelligence committee set in motion the process and NG-CDF was approached to fund the construction of the multi-agency facility and request was approved. However, it became apparent the area identified for the construction of the facility is contested between Wajir and Marsabit counties,” he said while flunked by leaders from both counties.
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The meeting was also attended by Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja and Director General of National Intelligence Service (NIS) and other security heads from both counties.
Both Governors of Marsabit and Wajir as well as members of parliament attended the meeting.
“The construction of the facility will be discontinued and site abandoned; the North Eastern and Eastern security teams led by regional commissioners will identify a new site for the construction in consultation with the National Security Council,” said the CS.
The Interior CS said the facility will be national in nature and that the leaders together with National Government administration officers will hold public barazas to diffuse the tension in the area and bring the communities together.
He said the determination of boundary disputes along similar disputes will be handled by relevant government agencies.