By: Ismail Noor
GARISSA—Leaders from Wajir County have pointed an accusing finger at the national government for taking too long to solve the boundary dispute between Wajir South and Lagdera constituencies.
The communities residing in the disputed settlements have been on constant clashes that if not resolved soon could turn into a complete bloodbath as cases of gun shots were reported last week.
Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi implored on the National government to intervene swiftly and urged both communities to be calm.
The looming stalemate has resulted in two fatalities while hundreds others were displaced from both side of the divide.
Wajir and Garissa County are divided by Ewaso Nyiro that separates Boranas and Samburus who have been coexisting peacefully since independence.
Speaking during a peace caravan in Fadiweyne village which has been adversely affected, Ahmed said that the leadership of both counties and the national government understand the boundary line and urged the residents to live in harmony.
“We have enough problems to deal with—health care, water and education—so its baseless to waste time and lives on boundary disputes, the boundaries haven’t changed since 1963 and we have documents to this effect, Ahmed Abdullahi said.
Wajir South legislator, Abdullahi Diriye reiterated the need for the National Government to expedite the process of boundary demarcation to avert any further loss of lives.
“We the people of Northern Kenya have languished in abject poverty for far too long and we have the resources now our people should only worry about developmental projects not squabbles on daily basis”, Diriye said.
The County Commissioners from Wajir and Garissa are expected to visit where the River—Ewaso Nyiro—separates the two counties.
