Emotions flared in Garissa as the National Land Commission (NLC) held a public hearing on unresolved historical land injustices, reigniting deep-seated tensions between communities in Garissa and Tana River counties. Central to the grievances is the controversial three-mile strip along the River Tana, a colonial-era demarcation that continues to fuel deadly conflict and displacement, particularly in Fafi and Ijara subcounties.
Former Ijara MP Sophia Abdinoor decried the legacy of the Northern Frontier District referendum and the strip’s creation, blaming it for current violence against Garissa pastoralists. She narrated harrowing incidents, including killings and destruction of villages, resulting from territorial disputes. Community leaders also protested what they termed illegal military occupation by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) of 40 square kilometres between Modika and Garissa without compensation. KDF representatives said they were unaware of formal claims but were open to reviewing ownership documents. NLC commissioner Reginald Okumu assured residents that with adequate evidence, the commission could recommend restitution or compensation to address the historical injustices.
