ODM Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun speaking to the press in Garissa last Saturday. /STEPHEN ASTARIKOODM Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun has called for government intervention to address insecurity and boundary disputes affecting residents of Kambi Samaki in Lagdera.
The legislator sought a statement from National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security chair regarding the deteriorating security situation in Kambi Samaki and the long-running Garissa–Isiolo boundary dispute.
She warned the conflict continues to endanger lives, disrupt education and undermine peace efforts in the region.
Harun said recurring clashes between communities living along the Garissa–Isiolo border had left a trail of deaths, displacement, livestock theft and destruction of property, while also crippling the education sector.
“Honourable Speaker, Kambi Samaki town has over the past few years experienced recurrent boundary disputes among communities within Garissa and Isiolo counties,” read part of her statement.
“These disputes have often escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in loss of lives, theft of livestock and destruction of property.”
The MP noted that insecurity has had devastating consequences for schools in the affected areas, particularly due to the vulnerability of non-local teachers who make up a significant proportion of the teaching workforce.
“The insecurity has also adversely affected the education sector, as non-local teachers, who form a significant portion of the teaching workforce, face threats to their safety, leading to frequent evacuations,” she said.
“This has resulted in acute teacher shortages, thereby severely disrupting learning and disadvantaging learners in the affected schools,” she added.
She emphasised that the situation had reached a critical stage and required immediate intervention from both the national and county governments.
“The situation in Kambi Samaki calls for urgent intervention to restore security, safeguard lives and property, and ensure a conducive environment for learning,” she said.
In her request, the ODM legislator emphased on the need for a lasting resolution to the boundary dispute between Garissa and Isiolo counties, which has remained a source of tension for years despite numerous peace initiatives.
She specifically sought details on measures being taken by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to urgently enhance security and restore normalcy in Kambi Samaki.
Harun also requested details on interventions being implemented in collaboration with relevant government agencies and the governments of Garissa and Isiolo counties.
She further sought information on strategies aimed at guaranteeing the safety of teachers, learners and educational institutions to ensure uninterrupted learning.
“It is against this background that I request a statement from the chairperson of the committee on the steps being taken to resolve the boundary disputes between Garissa and Isiolo counties, including interventions made in collaboration with relevant government agencies and county governments,” she said.
ODM Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun interacting with women from
Garissa during an empowerment program./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
The conflict between residents of Lagdera in Garissa county and neighbouring Garbatulla and Isiolo South constituencies in Isiolo county is among Kenya’s longest-running pastoral resource and boundary disputes.
The conflict is rooted in competing claims over administrative boundaries, grazing land and water resources, and has been exacerbated by recurrent droughts, livestock theft and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
Areas around Kambi Samaki, Eldera and adjacent grazing zones have emerged as major flashpoints, with communities from both sides asserting historical ownership and usage rights over the contested land.
Over the years, recurrent clashes involving predominantly Borana communities from Garbatulla and Aulihan Somali communities from Lagdera have led to deaths, injuries, displacement of families and substantial livestock losses.
Security reports and peace initiatives have frequently cited political incitement, administrative disagreements and ethnic mobilisation as key drivers of the conflict.
Despite a peace accord reached by elders from both communities in 2024, which committed both sides to peaceful coexistence, shared use of pasture and water resources, and cooperation against livestock theft and banditry, underlying structural issues remain unresolved.
The committee is now expected to respond to the concerns raised and provide details of measures being undertaken to restore lasting peace, resolve the boundary dispute and secure learning institutions in the affected areas.
ODM Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun interacting with women from
Garissa during an empowerment program./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
