Murkomen Defends New Security Base as Wajir-Marsabit Border Dispute Escalates
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
Interior Cabinet Secretary has defended the government’s decision to establish a multi-agency security installation along the volatile Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor, saying the move is critical in the fight against transnational crime and insecurity in northern Kenya.
Speaking on the project, Murkomen noted that the corridor has increasingly become a major route for illegal activities including arms trafficking, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and other organized criminal operations threatening national security and regional stability.
According to the Interior CS, the decision to establish the security installation followed extensive consultations among security agencies operating in the region as well as submissions made during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum. The government subsequently resolved to establish a permanent multi-agency facility to strengthen surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response operations along the strategic route.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee, which initiated the process of setting up the installation. To support the project, the Eldas NG-CDF approved funding for the construction of the facility in what the government describes as a major investment in restoring order and enhancing security coverage in northern Kenya.
However, the project has sparked fresh political tensions after it emerged that the proposed site for the installation lies within an area contested by leaders from Wajir and Marsabit counties. The territorial dispute has reportedly heightened friction between political leaders and residents from the two neighboring counties, with both sides laying claim to the land earmarked for the facility.
Despite the growing controversy, Murkomen maintained that the project is purely a national security intervention and should not be politicized. He emphasized that the government’s priority remains protecting residents, travelers, and businesses using the corridor while dismantling criminal networks operating across the region.
The proposed installation is expected to bring together multiple security agencies under one command structure to improve coordination in combating organized crime and ensuring stability along one of Kenya’s most sensitive transport and trade corridors.
Leaders and residents have now urged both county administrations to pursue dialogue and restraint to ensure the territorial dispute does not derail efforts aimed at improving peace, security, and economic activities in northern Kenya.
