North Eastern politicians launch forum to address insecurity, regional growth

North Eastern politicians have joined hands under a new forum to focus on four matters, including addressing insecurity, the war on Al-Shabaab in particular, and pushing for investigations into the dumpling of nuclear waste in the region.

The other two key issues for the North Eastern Political Leaders Forum, whose primary focus is development, are unity and fast-tracking road projects.

The former governors and members of parliament from Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties launched the forum at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi on Saturday.

Former Garissa Governor Ali Korane, who read a statement on their behalf at a press conference, said, "This is a strong forum that will offer former North Eastern leaders a suitable political environment to achieve the highly needed socio-economic development in the region."

Attended the launch of North Eastern Political Leaders Forum. The unique platform that brings together former governors and MPs is to draw upon the experiences and insights of the former office bearers in guiding & complimenting decision-makers in addressing the challenges in N.E pic.twitter.com/OizXUFNbHf

— H.E Ali B.Korane (@HonAliKorane) May 4, 2024

Ali added that they would also advocate against the negative effects of clannism, which has led to division and conflict among communities in the region.

On insecurity, he noted that the Al-Shabaab terror group remained a major challenge to progress and development.

"We commit to working with the government through security agencies, and fronting homegrown solutions that include the incorporation of locals in the security architecture to defeat the terror outfit," Ali said.

The leaders further decried the mass destruction of road infrastructure by heavy downpours and flooding and called on the government to quicken projects, including the Isiolo-Mandera Road, which they noted would ease the movement of people and goods and help expand the economy.

They also called for investigations into recent reports of the dumping of nuclear waste in the region, saying it threatens the community's future.

Early in April, former minister Cyrus Jirongo revealed secrets that former President Daniel Moi's regime knowingly dumped toxic nuclear waste in Northern Kenya, leading to a high prevalence of cancer cases in the region.

Former Mandera Senator Mohamed Maalim Mohamud addresses the media at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi on May 4, 2024, during the launch of the North Eastern Political Leaders Forum. (Photo: X/Mohamed Maalim Mohamud)

As a result of Jirongo's claims, a city law firm, Dahir, Affey & Associates Limited, petitioned the Energy ministry to make public all documents about the dumping of toxic waste in any part of Kenya.

The politicians on Saturday agitated for the activation of legal recourse for residents to seek damages.

They added that they were committed to cooperating with serving political leaders in the region for the sake of development.

Former Mandera Senator Mohamed Maalim Mohamud termed the forum a historic achievement for the region.

"This is the first time former political leaders are converging to discuss progress and development agendas for the people of North Eastern. We have leaders who served in 1974 in this forum."

Mohamed singled out the matter of road infrastructure, noting its importance in trade and other aspects of development.

Mohamed Elmi, who once served as minister for arid and semi-arid lands and Wajir East legislator, said the forum was not for witch-hunts but for constructive criticism and joint efforts to promote peace and development in North Eastern.