Fafi MP Salah Yakub interacts with residents of Bura subcounty during livestock restocking program./STEPHEN ASTARIKOFafi MP Salah Yakub has criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s decision to designate parts of Masalani in Garissa and Tana River counties as protected areas, saying the move is oppressive and risks increasing insecurity in the region.
In a legal notice dated May 16, Murkomen declared that the Masalani National Intelligence Service (NIS) Campus and surrounding areas in both counties have been placed under heightened security measures.
The order, issued under the Protected Areas Act, restricts public access and places entry under the strict control of NIS Director General Noordin Haji.
According to the notice, residents from nearby areas such as Majengo, Wenje, Garsen, Hola, and Fajua will now need prior authorization from Haji to access the designated zones.
Fafi MP Salah Yakub interacts with residents of Bura subcounty during livestock restocking programme./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Speaking in Bura East while launching a livestock restocking initiative, Yakub condemned the move as punitive and insensitive to local communities already grappling with the threat of al-Shabaab.
He warned that such actions risk further endangering the region by making it a target for militant attacks.
“This move is not only unnecessary but dangerous. It sends the wrong signal and invites more problems,” Yakub said.
“I will not remain silent as my people are subjected to oppressive policies by their own government.”
He directly called out NIS boss Noordin Haji, accusing him of pushing for the gazettement without proper consideration of its implications.
“It’s unfortunate that I must criticise my brother Noordin Haji, but leadership demands I speak up when my people’s rights are under threat,” Yakub said.
The vocal MP argued that designating the area as protected would likely lead to harassment of innocent civilians under the guise of security enforcement.
“We know too well what happens when areas are declared protected. The same government ends up harassing its own people,” he added.
Yakub demanded the immediate revocation of the protected status, warning that failure to do so would force residents to take legal action. He threatened to mobilise the community to challenge the order in court.
He also directed criticism at President William Ruto, warning that residents would only continue supporting his administration if it prioritised development and equity over marginalization.
“We cannot support a government that brings back memories of emergency laws and historical injustices. I say this as a UDA MP elected by the people,” Yakub said.
While the Interior Ministry has not detailed the specific reasons behind the designation, the areas host NIS installations and are believed to support sensitive intelligence operations.
Such restrictions are intended to safeguard national security and maintain operational confidentiality.
Under the Protected Areas Act, the government has legal authority to limit access to certain zones for the sake of public safety and national interest.
However, Yakub insists the current implementation lacks transparency and risks alienating already vulnerable communities.
