Parliament holds private session over boundary dispute

Parliament held a session in camera to interrogate the Minister for Internal Security on the boundary dispute touching on Wajir and Garissa counties.

MPs on Wednesday voted to discuss the matter away from the public citing security considerations.

The dispute mainly involves Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim’s Ladgera constituency and Wajir South constituency but also touches on other neighbouring constituencies in the two counties.

Tension has been rising on the ground following the administrative boundary dispute and local politicians have been implicated.

Wajir South MP Mahamud Sirat put a question to the Internal Security minister but it has been postponed several times leading to the decision to discuss the matter privately.

He questioned the minister on where the boundary between Wajir and Garissa counties falls and the tabling before the House a map of the areas and the relevant Kenya Gazette Notice.

There has been fear that the conflict could escalate if not addressed urgently.

Last week, MPs from the region accused Mr Maalim of sabotaging efforts to resolve the conflict, accusations he vehemently denied Wednesday.

He told Parliament that the matter was political and about seven clans are involved.

Mr Maalim said the matter was sensitive and could not be discussed in public.

MPs voted to hold a private session

Mr Sirat claimed the Deputy Speaker has snubbed six meetings held by local MPs.

Other legislators from the region who have expressed interest in the matter are Dujis MP Aden Duale and Nominated MP Mohammed Affey.