- The legislator has written to the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to intervene in the matter because the territorial claims could escalate tensions between communities in Lamu and Garissa, potentially leading to conflict.
- She said the Prime Cabinet Secretary should take immediate and firm action to prevent the unlawful annexation of Dar es Salaam Point by Garissa County leaders.
Some Lamu leaders have objected claims by their counterparts from Ijara in Garissa county regarding the annexation of Dar es Salaam Point in Ishakani.
Nominated Senator Shakila Abdalla on Wednesday said there is a risk of escalating regional tensions and conflict if the issue is not addressed quickly.
The legislator has written to the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to intervene in the matter.
She said the territorial claims could escalate tensions between communities in Lamu and Garissa, potentially leading to conflict.
“As you are aware, such disputes often have far-reaching consequences, undermining peace and stability in the affected areas. It is in the government's interest to maintain harmony among its people and prevent any actions that could lead to unnecessary disputes, violence, or unrest,” Abdalla said.
In a phone interview with the Star, the senator said she wrote to Mudavadi because he is the senior-most Cabinet Minister and also in charge of Foreign Affairs.
“The disputed area is in Kiunga, and Somalia have also been laying claims on that area. I want the Prime CS to look into this issue with the urgency it deserves,” Abdalla said.
She said a couple of weeks ago leaders from Ijara pushed to have a chief brought into the area.
“That region is within Kiunga and occupied by the Bajuni community, which is native of Lamu. The residents have all along been voting in Lamu, why are leaders from Garissa claiming the area is part of Ijara?”
She added, that historical and legal precedent of Lamu's territorial integrity, colonial maps, historical maps and longstanding administrative records place Dar es Salaam Point within the jurisdiction of Lamu county.
“Any attempt to annex this territory to Garissa county disregards this established historical precedent. The boundaries between counties have been legally demarcated and recognised over the years. Any unilateral move to alter these boundaries undermines the rule of law and threatens to set a dangerous precedent for other regions across Kenya,” she said.
She said Lamu will suffer the loss of strategic and economic benefits because Dar es Salaam Point holds considerable value for their county.
“The location borders the disputed maritime area between Kenya and Somalia, which is believed to be rich in natural gas and other valuable resources. Annexing this area to Garissa county would unfairly deprive the people of Lamu of their rightful access to these resources and potential revenue, undermining the county's economic prospects,” she said.
She added, “Such an action would not only harm Lamu residents but also limit opportunities for growth and investment that are crucial for the region's future.”
She said Mudavadi should take immediate and firm action to prevent the unlawful annexation of Dar es Salaam Point by Garissa leaders.
“As the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, you have a critical role in upholding our national integrity, protecting local interests, and ensuring the government operates transparently and fairly," she said.
"I request that you engage all relevant stakeholders to resolve this matter and assure the residents of Lamu county that their rights and resources will be safeguarded.”
She said she is hopeful Mudavadi will give the matter the urgent attention it deserves and take the necessary steps to ensure justice prevails.