Wajir Woman Representative Calls for Calm After Moyale Clashes as Government Halts Security Facility Plan.
Asal Reporter.
Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow has condemned the violent incidents that erupted in Moyale on Thursday, urging residents of both Wajir and Marsabit counties to exercise restraint and maintain peace amid rising tensions over a disputed security project.
Speaking in the wake of the clashes, which left several people injured, Jehow expressed concern over the escalating conflict and called on communities to avoid actions that could deepen divisions. She emphasized the importance of dialogue and coexistence, noting that both counties share longstanding social and economic ties.
“I strongly condemn the violence witnessed in Moyale. I appeal to our people in Wajir and Marsabit to remain calm and allow leaders and relevant authorities to resolve the matter amicably,” she said.
Her remarks come as the national government announced the suspension of a planned multi-agency security installation along the Moyale–Marsabit–Isiolo road corridor, following a dispute between the two counties over the proposed site.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement on Friday after chairing a high-level meeting with leaders from both counties. The meeting was convened to address the standoff that had sparked protests and heightened fears of inter-community conflict.
Murkomen said the government had resolved to immediately halt construction at the contested site and abandon the location altogether, pending the identification of a new site acceptable to both parties.
“This morning, we convened a meeting of leaders from the two counties to address the impasse. After lengthy deliberations, we resolved that the construction of the facility be discontinued and the site abandoned,” Murkomen said in a statement.
The proposed facility, funded through the Eldas NG-CDF, was intended to strengthen security along the corridor, which has long been affected by cross-border crimes such as arms trafficking, narcotics trade, and human trafficking.
Leaders at the meeting agreed that regional security teams from the North Eastern and Eastern regions will work jointly with the National Security Council to identify an alternative location. They also committed to holding joint public barazas, involving local leaders and civil society groups, to ease tensions and promote unity.
Murkomen reiterated that the facility is meant to serve national security interests rather than those of any specific county, and assured residents that the government remains committed to improving security and stability in the region.
Additionally, the long-standing boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties will be referred to relevant institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), for a lasting resolution.
Jehow welcomed the outcome of the meeting, urging both leaders and residents to support peaceful efforts moving forward. She stressed that unity and cooperation are essential to ensuring development and security for communities across the region.
