Concerns over security along the Kenya-Somalia border have intensified after Wajir North MP Ibrahim Abdi Saney wrote to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja calling for urgent intervention.
In his letter, the legislator raised allegations that some senior police commanders stationed in the region may be involved in unlawful cross-border activities instead of helping to stop them.
The MP said residents have increasingly complained about rising criminal activities along the border, particularly drug trafficking.
According to Saney, some Officers Commanding Police Divisions (OCDs) are suspected of working with certain members of the local community in illegal trade arrangements that have allowed drugs and firearms to move across the border more easily.
Saney argued that the alleged activities have weakened law enforcement efforts and damaged public confidence in the police service. He said residents now feel less secure and have lost trust in officers tasked with protecting them.
“The situation has greatly undermined law enforcement efforts, threatened the lives and future of our communities, compromised public safety, and eroded the community’s confidence in the police service,” Saney wrote.
The lawmaker urged the Inspector General to authorize a transparent investigation into the allegations.
He also called for the immediate transfer of the current OCDs and the deployment of new officers to the affected divisions.
“I kindly request your prompt intervention, transparent investigations and the immediate transfer of the current OCDs to other stations and the deployment of new officers to restore integrity, law and order within the divisions,” he said.
Saney noted that he had raised similar concerns with police leadership before and expressed hope that the matter would now receive the attention it deserves.
He warned that delays in addressing the allegations could worsen the security situation and affect the livelihoods of residents living near the border.
The National Police Service has confirmed that the claims are under active investigation. Police officials said no disciplinary or administrative action will be taken until the inquiry is completed.
A special team has already been sent to the area to examine the allegations and make recommendations.
Residents have also voiced frustration over what they describe as increasing crime and a lack of action by local security officials.
Some have alleged that cases involving serious offenses have been compromised and that bribery has occurred within local police divisions. However, these claims remain unverified.
On Wednesday, Saney took to social media to repeat his concerns, saying he had reported the alleged activities involving police commanders in Wajir North and Korondile for a long time.
“For a long time, I have consistently raised concerns about alleged illicit trade involving OCPDs Wajir North and Korondile. These complaints did not begin yesterday. I have submitted several written complaints to Inspector General Douglas Kanja over an extended period, and the relevant authorities, including the Directorate of Intelligence, are aware of these concerns.
“He denied any connection to criminal activities and claimed that attempts were being made to divert attention from the issues he had raised.”
What is happening now appears to me to be an attempt to shift attention away from the issues I have raised. I reject any attempt to associate me with criminal matters in which I have absolutely no involvement,” he said.
“My position is straightforward: law enforcement should investigate and apprehend those who have committed crimes, regardless of who they are, but they should not use my name to divert attention from legitimate concerns that have been formally reported. I remain ready to cooperate with any lawful investigation.”Inspector General Kanja has said he will await the outcome of the ongoing investigations before deciding on any further action.
At the same time, reports have emerged that some junior officers in the region have filed complaints against senior colleagues, alleging harassment and mistreatment.
The Internal Affairs Unit is reviewing those complaints after sending officers to Bute for fact-finding. North Eastern Police Commander Pepita Ranka said the matter is being handled internally in line with professional procedures.
