Leaders from Tana River County are pressing the national government for official documentation clarifying the scope of land designated for National Intelligence Service (NIS) projects. 

This follows a meeting with President William Ruto on May 26 that failed to fully resolve concerns raised by Gazette Notice No. 6256. The notice designates land in Jamhuri-Masalani as a restricted security zone, sparking fears of land annexation within the community. The dispute centres on land intended for security-related developments, including an airstrip, an NIS academy, a Level Four hospital, the upgrading of Gubani Primary School, and the completion of the Boji-Masalani road. 

While the government claims the security notice covers only a 30-meter radius around a specific point within the project area, local leaders argue that the absence of clearly defined boundaries and inadequate public consultation is fueling public suspicion. Following the State House meeting, President Ruto authorised a fact-finding mission to the restricted NIS site, led by local leaders, elders, and regional administrators. 

However, the visit was marked by stringent security measures. Journalists were barred from taking photographs, and all non-NIS personnel, including lawmakers and county officials, were required to surrender their mobile phones during the tour. Interviews, even outside the restricted zone, were prohibited, further exacerbating public mistrust.

The heightened security measures have raised concerns among local representatives, despite acknowledging the potential benefits of the proposed developments. One leader, speaking anonymously, has described the level of control as "unsettling," adding, "Instead of assuring us, it raised more questions about why the government is reluctant to allow independent scrutiny."

Garsen MP Ali Wario has welcomed the proposed developments but stresses the necessity of formal documentation. Wario also criticises local political operatives for allegedly spreading panic by misinterpreting the notice and exaggerating the affected land area, sowing unnecessary fear among residents for political gain.

"The truth is that the land in question is below 2,000 acres, not some massive takeover," Wario clarified. "However, given the historical context of land disputes, transparency remains non-negotiable."

Governor Dhadho Godhana has linked the controversy to longstanding boundary tensions between Tana River and Garissa Counties, accusing Garissa officials of repeated territorial encroachment. He cites previous attempts to establish administrative offices on land historically belonging to Tana River.

"This is not new," Godhana said. "We have fought similar battles before. Now, security projects are being used as a gateway for boundary manipulation."

Godhana urges the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to clearly define and publish demarcations of the contested territory before further developments proceed. County Commissioner David Koskei, representing the national government, defends the administration's handling of the matter, arguing that authorities have acted transparently throughout the process. He urges local leaders to cooperate in conveying accurate information to residents rather than escalating tensions.

Bura MP Yakub Adow emphasises the potential economic benefits of the planned projects, predicting that over 1,000 local youths would secure employment. However, scepticism among Tana River representatives remains prevalent. Senator Danson Mungatana emphasises the need for legal documentation, stating that without official paperwork detailing the scope of the security designation, community concerns would persist.

"In politics, rhetoric and reality are two different things," Mungatana said. "If it's not on paper, it does not exist."