Eldas MP Adan Keynan defended the proposed Basir Multi-Agency Centre, describing it as a critical national security project aimed at combating transnational crime and restoring stability in Northern Kenya.
In a strongly worded statement, the Eldas MP said he had initially refrained from commenting on the matter out of respect for the sensitivity of Kenya’s security architecture, but chose to speak out due to what he termed as “misinformation, distortion and inflammatory rhetoric” surrounding the project.
Keynan said security remains a constitutional function of the National Government and argued that the Ethiopia-Moyale-Basir-Arbajan-Isiolo corridor has become a major route for organized criminal networks involved in illegal firearms trade, drug trafficking, human trafficking, kidnappings and smuggling.
According to the legislator, the insecurity linked to the corridor has had far-reaching consequences across counties including Wajir County, Marsabit County, Isiolo County, Garissa County, Samburu County, Laikipia County, Meru County and Mandera County.
He said the Basir Multi-Agency Centre was conceived and coordinated by Government security agencies following extensive assessments and consultations. He added that the project’s planning, site identification, stakeholder engagement and handover to contractors were all undertaken by State security organs, while the National Government Constituencies Development Fund for Eldas Constituency was only brought in later to finance physical construction and infrastructure works.
The MP expressed regret that the same security agencies later suspended the project, saying the initiative had since become entangled in political contestation despite being founded on the objective of strengthening national security and public safety.
On the contentious boundary issue, Keynan dismissed claims that Basir and Tito locations fall under Marsabit County, insisting the areas have historically been part of the administrative structure of Wajir County.
He said the two locations were originally under Wajir West Constituency before the creation of Eldas Constituency and noted that Basir Sub-Location has existed since the late 1980s before later being elevated into a location and divisional administrative unit.
Keynan maintained that the administrative records are clear and verifiable, questioning the emergence of what he termed as sudden claims of encroachment after decades of coexistence among neighbouring communities.
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