Health CS Urges Communities to Embrace Dialogue and Coexistence Following Deadly Clashes Linked to Resource Competition and Boundary Disputes.
BURA, Tana River County – Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for renewed efforts to promote peace and dialogue among communities living along the borders of Garissa, Tana River, and Kitui counties, warning that continued conflict could undermine livelihoods, development, and social cohesion across the region.
Speaking during a fundraising event for Darulhikma and Taqwa Madrassas in Darulhikma Village, Bura Constituency, Duale appealed to residents to reject violence and embrace peaceful coexistence, noting that the three neighboring counties share a long history and common future.
The appeal comes amid growing concern over recurring clashes along the Garissa–Tana River–Kitui border corridor, where competition over scarce natural resources, unresolved boundary disputes, and climate-related pressures have fueled tensions for years.
Decades of Conflict Over Scarce Resources
The border regions linking Garissa, Tana River, and Kitui counties have repeatedly experienced inter-community conflicts, largely driven by competition over water, pasture, and grazing land.
The disputes often involve pastoralist communities from Garissa and parts of Tana River, whose livelihoods depend on livestock, and farming communities in Kitui and sections of Tana River that rely on crop production.
Over the years, the conflicts have left a trail of destruction, including loss of lives, livestock theft, displacement of families, destruction of property, disruption of trade and transport, closure of schools, and strained relations between neighboring communities.
Leaders say climate change and recurring droughts have intensified pressure on already scarce resources, making peaceful resource-sharing arrangements more important than ever.
Deadly April Clashes Raise Alarm
The latest wave of violence occurred in April when retaliatory attacks along the Kitui–Garissa–Tana River border left at least 12 people dead, with several others injured and displaced.
The clashes triggered demonstrations, disrupted transport services, and heightened security concerns across the affected areas.
The incidents renewed calls from leaders, security agencies, and peace actors for sustainable solutions to prevent future outbreaks of violence.
“You Can Choose a Friend, But Not Your Neighbour” – Duale
Addressing residents during the fundraiser, CS Duale emphasized that peace remains the foundation of economic and social development.
Without stability, he warned, businesses would suffer, movement would be restricted, and communities would be unable to access essential services.
“Without peace, our mothers will not be able to do their businesses. Without peace, people will not go to mosques or churches. Without peace, our roads will become impassable and transport will be paralysed,” Duale said.
The Cabinet Secretary urged leaders and residents from all three counties to engage in dialogue and strengthen relationships built over generations.
“I urge the people of Tana River, and we will also engage leaders from Garissa and Kitui. We have always been neighbours. We are neighbours because God deemed it so. You can choose a friend, but you cannot choose your neighbour. Today, we cannot move Tana River elsewhere, nor can we move Kitui or Garissa counties,” he added.
Leaders Call for Respect of Boundaries and Peaceful Coexistence
Duale’s sentiments were echoed by Bura Member of Parliament Yakub Adow, who emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence while urging respect for county boundaries.
The legislator said communities in the region have historically lived together peacefully and should work towards resolving disputes through lawful and peaceful means.
“We and the people of Kitui are peaceful people. I want to tell the people of Tana River that all we want is peace,” Yakub said.
However, he also raised concerns over reports of public infrastructure allegedly being developed within disputed areas.
“We want peace, but the land of Tana River should remain for the people of Tana River,” he added.
Residents Urge Long-Term Solutions
Local residents and peace advocates have called for sustainable interventions to address the root causes of recurring conflicts.
Among them is Hussein Argamso, a resident of Tana River, who urged communities to recognize that resource scarcity and climate-related challenges require cooperation rather than confrontation.
He noted that drought, shrinking grazing land, and increasing pressure on livelihoods are realities affecting all communities in the region.
Argamso also pointed to unresolved boundary disputes and weak conflict-management mechanisms as factors that continue to fuel tensions.
According to local leaders, meaningful peace will require stronger collaboration between county governments, national government agencies, security institutions, elders, religious leaders, and local communities.
Peace Key to Development in Northern Kenya
As governments continue investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development across Northern Kenya, leaders say lasting peace remains essential for progress.
The call by CS Duale reflects growing recognition that sustainable development cannot be achieved without stability and cooperation among neighboring communities.
With memories of recent violence still fresh, residents now hope renewed dialogue and stronger peace-building efforts will help prevent future conflicts and pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future for Garissa, Tana River, and Kitui counties.
