This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
Garissa Governor Ali Korane is locked in a bitter dispute with his Tana River counterpart Dhado Godhana over border issues and development projects.
According to Korane, Godhana has been inciting communities living between the two counties by proposing development projects on Garissa's side, effectively trespassing.
During a visit to Nanighi in Fafi sub-county, Korane vowed to push for the abolition of the 'three miles rule', a colonial-era boundary that has pushed the Tana River county boundary three miles inside Garissa county.
'We will push through legal means to recognize the Tana River as the boundary between Garissa and Tana River counties,' Korane stated.
He also warned Godhana to suspend all proposed projects on the Garissa side, citing concerns over peaceful coexistence between communities in the disputed border area.
Godhana's administration has approved several projects, including early childhood development education and health centres in Fafi and Balambala, which Korane claims are on Garissa's side.
Before taking any further action, Korane has proposed initiating talks with Godhana to resolve the issue amicably.
He noted that international standards recognize major rivers as boundaries between communities and nations, questioning the uniqueness of the 'three miles rule'.
Interestingly, Korane had previously raised concerns about the 'three miles rule' during a visit by the Building Bridges Initiative, calling for its abolition if it exists in Kenyan statutes.
