PROTRACTED BORDER DISPUTE FURES PROMINENTLY DURRING GARISA BBI RALLY.

The protracted border dispute between isiolo and Garissa future prominently during the Garissa BBI Rally.

Several local leaders led by governor Ali Korane took issue with recent directive by interior CS Fred Matiangi who directed chiefs to operate within their jurisdictions.

Chiefs from Garissa were the biggest casualties. the move has elicited sharp reaction from local leaders. already a case has been filed in a Nairobi court to challenge the directive.

Recently during a meeting with leaders from Garissa,wajir,Marsabit and Isiolo,Interior CS Fred Matiangi issued a directive to all chief and assistant chiefs in Isiolo anjd Garissa county to operate from their areas of jurisdiction.

The rally held at Garissa primary school play ground was led by KANU chairman Gedion Moi. He was accompanied by among other leaders Kanu secretary Nick Salat, Kanu MPs Abdikarim Osman, Mohamed Hire[Lagdera] and nominated senator Abshiro Halake.

Governor Korane said that as a region they have unanimously agreed to pass the document which he noted will improve on the current constitution.

He said the document suggest the establishment of a commission to address protracted border disiputes, a problem that has dogged the region for a long time.

Korane said the issue should be put on hold until BBI is passed and then the commission given the chance to resolve the border dispute.

“We don’t mind if at the end of the we loose the case but in a fair hearing where we will be allowed to defend our case,”said Korane.

Lagdera MP on his part said that border disputes cannot and will never be resolved by government directives and in boardrooms.

Former Garisa governor Nathif Jama said the border was such an emotive one and should be handled with care.

“These to communities have co-exited for decades, the border was there since independence those chiefs have been there for years so when the minister tells the chiefs to leave I think that is  not right. thank God BBI will address all this,” he said.

The KANU chairman said  issues to do pastoralism’s which is the economic backbone of the region’s economy have well been captured in the document.

He  said  unlike the current constitution which does have specific clauses to support the livestock sector, BBI have clearly outlined measures to boost the sector.

Gedion said that it will be unfortunate if the region fails to support the document which will among other things turn around the economy of the region.

“I am here today to make a passionate appeal to you the people of Garissa and northeastern at large to join other Kenyans of good will in passing the document. we shall have failed as leaders if we don’t point out areas of benefit to you,” said Moi.

Nick salat on his part said Kenyans of good will have shown overwhelming support to the document expressing optimism that it will be passed by majority.

During the meeting, there was some light scuffle between supporters of governor Korane and former governor Nathif, something that led to a brief stop of the meeting. the situation was however contained by the security.