Garissa and Tana River Elders Hold Peace Meeting Over Border Dispute
Elders from Garissa and Tana River counties convened on Thursday at the residence of Sultan Sambul Dekhow of the Abduwak clan in Garissa Town to address rising tensions and seek a lasting solution to the long-standing three-mile border dispute between the two counties.
The Tana River delegation was led by Babisani Wayu of the Wailwana community and Abubakar Salat of the Munyo Yaya community. Also in attendance were elders representing the Pokomo, Wardei, Wata, and Orma communities. The meeting, chaired by Sultan Dekhow, lasted nearly four hours.
Recent weeks have seen increasing friction between communities living along the border, with leaders from both sides trading accusations. On November 11, Garissa Governor Ali Korane, during a development tour in Bura East, Fafi Sub-county, accused his Tana River counterpart, Governor Dhadho Godhana, of encroaching into Garissa territory and inciting residents through proposed development projects.
Governor Godhana responded by accusing Governor Korane, Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane, and Fafi MP Abdikadir Osman of making inflammatory remarks that risked fueling ethnic tensions. Through his lawyer, Prof. Tom Ojienda, the Tana River Governor threatened legal action against the three leaders.
While the elders’ meeting was held behind closed doors, sources revealed that both delegations expressed concern that continued hostile rhetoric from top leadership could escalate into open conflict if not swiftly addressed.
Participants agreed to engage their respective leaders and communities to discourage inflammatory statements and restore calm. They also committed to spreading messages of peace and urging residents to avoid actions that could undermine stability in the region.
According to a source familiar with the discussions, a follow-up meeting—expected to include senior political and administrative leaders from both counties—will be scheduled soon.