A fresh wave of controversy has erupted over the gazettement of parts of Masalani and Jamhuri in Tana River and Garissa counties as protected zones for the Masalani National Intelligence Service (NIS) Campus, with local leaders demanding immediate revocation of Gazette Notice No. 6256 issued on May 16, 2025.

The Gazette Notice, issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, prohibits entry into the designated area without express permission from the NIS Director General, a move that local leaders say blindsided them and the public.

Strong opposition

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana is among the first to voice strong opposition, accusing the government of bypassing constitutional procedures by failing to conduct public participation.

“This action by the government is a grave mistake. Tana River has its own government and citizens who deserve respect,” Mungatana said.

“Had they involved wananchi and the county in proper consultations, we would have had no issue. But they went ahead and published the notice without informing residents or leadership. It’s a complete disregard of Tana River County,” he added.

Despite the senator’s strong objection, Galole MP Said Buya Hiribae offered a contrasting view, defending the project and revealing that it had the backing of President William Ruto.

“I raised concerns with the president, telling him the project would displace my people from their ancestral land. But the president assured us, and we’ve now visited the area with elders, the County Commissioner, and security teams,” Hiribae stated at Kilindini village on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Aerial surveys

“A directive has been issued, and aerial surveys are already ongoing,” he added.

According to the MP, residents will not be evicted from areas such as Fanjua, Majengo, Masalani, and Kilindini. ‘

He noted that an agreement had been reached allowing habitation up to 30 meters from the perimeter fence of the NIS facility.

“The fenced area is the only part under restriction. Beyond that, you can build a house within 30 meters of the fence. There will also be corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including school renovations, expansion of health facilities, and improved water supply for Kilindini,” Hiribae assured.

However, Senator Mungatana remains unconvinced and is calling for a complete revocation of the gazette notice, citing the lack of clarity on boundaries and the absence of binding documentation.

“We cannot rely on verbal assurances. There must be a new gazette notice, clearly stating the coordinates of the affected area. If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist. Today’s promises could mean nothing under a new CS tomorrow,” he said.

Mungatana, a lawyer, insisted that such a critical matter cannot be left to informal agreements. Garsen MP Ali Wario also welcomed the development projects but emphasised the need for legal clarity.