Garissa, Lamu leaders tussle over oil-rich Darusalam Point

Leaders in Garissa and their Lamu counterparts are embroiled in a fresh tussle over the ownership of disputed Darusalam point.

Leaders from both counties claim the area which is rich with gas, oil and fish.

On Thursday, Lamu East MP Ruweida Obo and Nominated Senator Shakilla Abdalla claimed Darusalaam point is part of Lamu East constituency, accusing Garissa residents of occupying their land and claiming ownership.

On Saturday, Garissa leaders led by Governor Nathif Jama, Ijara MP Abdi Ali and Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun hit back at the two saying their utterances can easily start conflicts between the two neighbouring communities.

They insisted the area is part of Bodhai subcounty within Ijara constituency.

The leaders were speaking in Garissa town during the homecoming party of Health chief officer Leyla Ibrahim from the Ajuran community.

Governor Jama said they will soon have a meeting with leaders from both sides to discuss the same, expressing optimism that a solution will be found.

“We have been neighbours for decades and have peacefully co-existed as brother and sisters.  We have always solved issues that have arisen peacefully and this will be no exception. Things will be okay so no cause for alarm or tension,” he said.

Harun said the borders are well defined wondering what the motive was behind the Lamu leaders’ utterances.

“It is regrettable that this issue has been started my sisters from Lamu honourable Shakila and Ruweida. Residents of Ijara and Lamu have peacefully co-existed with everyone knowing that that point is in Ijara, Garissa county,” she said.

“As leaders, we must stand and be counted when it matters, especially when it's about defending our people and our territorial boundaries. Matters of land are very sensitive and should be handled with caution,” Harun said.

She called on the governor to engage his counterpart in Lamu Issa Timamy on the same saying as leaders, they have to stand and be counted.

On Friday MP Ali, EALA MP Falhadha Iman and former Ijara MP Sophia Abdi speaking in Masalani town, called on residents to remain peaceful and let the relevant authorities handle the mater.

Ali said the area has an officially posted chief from Ijara constituency, further solidifying its administrative alignment with Bodhai subcounty.

The MP made this statement while laying the foundation stone for the newly inaugurated Bodhai Secondary School.