Isiolo buffer zones to end insecurity with border counties

In a bid to curb insecurity, the government will establish buffer zones in hotspot areas along Isiolo and neighbouring counties.

This will help deal with runaway insecurity that has claimed dozens of lives and livestock theft in the last few months.

Political intrigues, land disputes, competition for water and pasture and proliferation of illegal firearms are the top reasons of conflicts between Isiolo residents and those of neighbouring Samburu, Wajir, Garissa, Meru, Laikipia and Marsabit counties.

Last week, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua met governors from the seven counties.

He will be spearheading peace meetings between Isiolo and the neighbouring counties to promote collaborative security responses to insecurity.

Speaking to the Star, Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo said after the meeting with the DP, the government would recruit more National Police Reservists ( NPRs) to supplement the efforts of regular police.

He pledged to end insecurity and clashes in Isiolo in his tenure.

At the moment, despite having a target of 1,000  Isiolo is vetting 90 more NPRs to join 130 others recruited months ago who will be spread across Isiolo, Garbatulla and Merti subcounties.

“Insecurity has been a major problem facing Isiolo county. I will work with the National government to build a buffer zone between Isiolo and Wajir, Marsabit and Samburu counties to end recurrent cattle rustling and killings,” Guyo said.

The governor called upon his counterparts from neighbouring counties to work together in ensuring banditry and insecurity is addressed.

“Despite the political affiliation differences, it is time we leaders from the North come together to ensure our people don't die because of insecurity,” Guyo added.

Last month, Isiolo and Garissa counties began talks aimed at addressing insecurity along their border.

Governor Guyo and his Garissa counterpart Nathif Jama held discussions on how peace can be restored along the border.

The decades-long security challenge along the two counties stems from resource-based conflicts and border disputes.

The conflicts have led to loss of lives and livelihoods, displaced families and destruction of property.

It has however continued to escalate with residents calling out the leadership for failure to address it.

Politicians from both sides have been accused of fanning the conflicts, with the government being accused of taking too long to solve the boundary row.

Leaders from both counties had called on the national government to arbitrate the boundary dispute to avert further bloody clashes.

Some of the resolutions by the inter-county peace committee included ceasefire among the communities, leaders to hold an urgent meeting in Nairobi, and follow-up meetings for healing and reconciliation at Merti and Hadado subcounties.

Also, the surrendering of illegal firearms by the warring factions, chiefs to initiate reconciliation meetings and adherence to resolutions.