Marsabit County, a vast region in northern Kenya, has long been marred by insecurity driven by ethnic conflicts, banditry, and a complex political landscape. On October 4, 2024, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki extended orders declaring 13 areas within Marsabit as “disturbed and dangerous,” a designation that grants authorities enhanced powers to restore order. This move marks a continuation of the government’s efforts to quell violence in this conflict-ridden area, as Kindiki’s directive comes on the heels of sustained efforts to neutralize armed groups and end inter-ethnic clashes that have terrorized the region for years.
In a gazette notice issued on the same date, Kindiki stated that these specific areas, located within the General Hillo area in Dabel Location, Golbo Division, will remain under the security designation for another 30 days, effective immediately. The decision extends measures meant to tighten security, including disarmament orders and increased police presence. Marsabit, an area notorious for sporadic violence, is once again under heightened scrutiny from law enforcement and government officials as authorities attempt to restore lasting peace.
Context of the Security Crisis in Marsabit
Marsabit County has been grappling with endemic violence rooted in ethnic divisions, competition over scarce resources, and illicit arms trafficking. The county’s geographical remoteness, bordering Ethiopia, and harsh climate further exacerbate its vulnerabilities. In recent years, conflict between the Borana, Gabra, Rendille, and other pastoralist communities has surged, often leading to deadly clashes. Access to pastureland and water is a critical issue, and disputes over these essential resources often spiral into violent confrontations.
The designation of “disturbed areas” is not new in Kenya’s security playbook. It is a mechanism used to concentrate military, police, and intelligence resources in regions experiencing heightened instability. By declaring Marsabit’s General Hillo area as disturbed, the government has signaled that the situation in these 13 locations is particularly dire and necessitates a more aggressive approach to quell unrest.
Despite earlier government interventions, including military operations and local peacebuilding initiatives, peace has remained elusive. The availability of illegal firearms has fueled the conflict, with armed groups entrenched in the area’s rugged terrain. Kindiki’s extension of the security designation highlights the persistent challenges the government faces in Marsabit and the deep-seated issues driving the conflict.
Government’s Response: Security Measures in Marsabit
With the extension of the “disturbed and dangerous” status, the government has ramped up its efforts to curb the violence. A key component of Kindiki’s directive is the prohibition of firearms in the affected areas. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued a strict directive requiring all individuals in the designated areas who possess firearms to surrender them to authorities.
This disarmament order is critical in breaking the cycle of violence. Many residents of Marsabit, especially those in the affected areas, rely on arms for personal protection or as part of long-standing ethnic militias. The proliferation of illegal firearms has made it difficult for security forces to restore calm. With this new directive, the police will not only be on high alert for those defying the surrender order, but also will intensify patrols and crackdowns to recover weapons from criminal elements and civilians alike.
Kanja emphasized that individuals wielding arms must turn them in at the nearest police stations during the day, allowing security forces to catalog the surrendered weapons and ensure that they are removed from circulation. This move is intended to prevent further bloodshed and safeguard the lives of the residents in these high-risk areas.
The government’s commitment to disarmament will require both legal force and diplomacy. Past attempts at voluntary disarmament have had limited success due to mistrust between communities and law enforcement. However, with the enhanced legal backing under the “disturbed area” designation, security forces will likely adopt a more coercive approach, including searches and raids to recover illegal weapons.
The Impact on Local Communities
For the residents of Marsabit, the government’s extension of the security designation brings mixed feelings. While many locals welcome the disarmament and enhanced security measures as a step toward peace, others remain apprehensive. In the past, security operations in northern Kenya have often led to claims of human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests, and harassment of civilians. Communities living in the declared “disturbed” areas may fear that the increased presence of police and military forces could lead to further tensions.
Furthermore, disarmament efforts can spark mistrust within the communities themselves. In Marsabit, different ethnic groups have long viewed arms as essential for defense in a context where state protection has historically been inconsistent. Removing weapons without simultaneously addressing the root causes of the conflict, such as resource competition, ethnic hostilities, and political grievances, could leave communities feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
The government has indicated its willingness to engage with community leaders to facilitate a peaceful transition and encourage dialogue. In recent months, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and other bodies have been working with local elders and religious leaders to foster peace agreements. However, the challenge remains daunting as deeply ingrained animosities continue to hinder progress.
Broader Implications for Kenya’s Security Strategy
Marsabit’s ongoing troubles reflect the broader security challenges facing Kenya, particularly in its northern frontier regions. The porous borders with neighboring Ethiopia and Somalia, combined with the difficult terrain, have made it easy for armed groups and criminals to operate with relative impunity. Cross-border conflicts have also played a significant role in the violence, as communities straddle both sides of the Kenya-Ethiopia border, complicating efforts to restore peace.
The government’s approach to Marsabit—focused on disarmament, police deployment, and community engagement—fits into its larger security strategy of addressing regional instability. Over the years, similar measures have been implemented in other conflict-prone areas, including Turkana and West Pokot counties. However, the effectiveness of these efforts has often been hindered by political interference, corruption, and the sheer scale of the problem.
In Marsabit, there is hope that the current measures, underpinned by Kindiki’s continued focus on the region, could finally yield results. The appointment of a new police chief for the region and the involvement of local leaders in peace talks offer potential for progress. The extension of the “disturbed areas” designation allows authorities to maintain pressure on armed groups while simultaneously working toward a long-term solution.
The Role of Local Leaders and Civil Society
One of the key factors that will determine the success of the government’s intervention in Marsabit is the role of local leadership and civil society organizations. Traditional elders, religious leaders, and community influencers have a significant say in the social and political dynamics of the region. Their involvement in disarmament efforts and peacebuilding initiatives is crucial.
Civil society organizations, including NGOs focused on conflict resolution and development, have also played a critical role in Marsabit. These groups have been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between warring communities, conducting humanitarian work in the wake of violence, and advocating for the rights of the affected populations. The success of the government’s security measures will hinge on sustained collaboration with these actors.
In the past, peace committees and inter-ethnic dialogue forums have achieved limited success in reducing violence. However, with the current escalation of conflict, it is imperative that these efforts be redoubled. The government’s security actions must be paired with long-term development initiatives, including infrastructure projects, improved access to education and healthcare, and economic programs aimed at addressing the underlying causes of conflict.
Conclusion
The extension of the “disturbed areas” declaration in Marsabit by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki underscores the government’s determination to address the persistent insecurity in northern Kenya. While the disarmament orders and heightened security measures offer hope for restoring order, the complexity of the situation in Marsabit requires a multifaceted approach that involves not just law enforcement, but also community engagement and development initiatives.
As the government presses forward with its efforts to stabilize the region, it remains to be seen whether these latest measures will pave the way for lasting peace or merely provide a temporary reprieve from the violence that has plagued Marsabit for far too long. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the outcome of this extended security intervention.
