MARSABIT — The Borana Baliti Council of Elders has urged communities in Marsabit County to embrace peace, unity and cohesion to accelerate development in the region.
Speaking to journalists in Marsabit town on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Council said lack of unity among Marsabit communities has contributed to the county lagging behind in various development sectors.
Council spokesperson Bagaja Liban Boru said divisions among communities may also explain why national leaders rarely visit Marsabit.
“President William Ruto has made several visits to other counties in North Eastern, while Marsabit has not had similar frequent visits,” Boru said.
He noted that the number of Marsabit residents turning out to acquire national identity cards remains very low compared to other counties.
Boru said ethnic hostility and divisions have also led to the election of unsuitable leaders.
He urged residents to set aside differences and foster love and cohesion for the benefit of the county’s development.
The elder further called on pastoralists and Marsabit residents to come out in large numbers to get national IDs, saying the documents are crucial for accessing government services and participating in leadership.
He also urged residents to take advantage of President Ruto’s directive to simplify ID issuance, and for eligible voters to register to participate in elections.
Boru said the Borana Baliti Council of Elders remains at the forefront of efforts to unite Marsabit’s diverse communities and sustain peace and cohesion.
“Without unity among Marsabit communities, this county will continue to lag behind in various development areas,” he said.
On his part, Council Secretary General Kashmuel Duba appealed to Marsabit residents to continue supporting the Borana community to lead the county through the governor’s seat.
Duba thanked Marsabit communities for giving the Borana an opportunity to serve as governor for the last ten years, and called on residents to give the community another term in the next election.
However, he asked Marsabit Governor Mohamud M. Ali to unite all communities and hold joint meetings instead of separate gatherings for each community.
Duba also condemned cases of youth disappearances in the county, and called on the government to act swiftly to end the situation and ensure those reported missing are traced.
He said the Council supports President William Ruto’s government, and urged Marsabit leaders to embrace solidarity instead of misleading communities.
“Unity among leaders and communities is the foundation for ensuring Marsabit gets development and equal opportunities in government,” Duba said.
