Tight security along Kenya–Ethiopia border ahead of Uhuru’s Moyale visit

MOYALE, KENYA: Security has been tightened along the Kenya –Ethiopia border ahead of President Uhuru Kenyatta's Monday visit to Moyale town.

High presence of regular police, General Service Unit and Rapid Deployment (RDU) is evident within Moyale town centre and its environs. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) alongside police officers are manning the border

Marsabit County police Commander Bernard Kogo said security has been beefed up and final touches on preparations are in progress.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn are expected to launch cross-border integrated programme for sustainable peace and socio- economic transformation in Moyale at 11am.

Residents expect Uhuru to address security, water and education situation and also The Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport corridor (Lapsset) project that had been earmarked to lift the region economically.

Ali Guyo, a resident said security remains main regional challenge where inter-ethnic violence occurred frequently and loss of lives and properties observed for several decades.

He said the President has to embark on security in the region and lead locals to the way forward. Mr Guyo accused area security personnel for laxity and failure to protect Kenyans during the crisis for years.

"We are grateful to president for choosing Moyale. This is a mile stone since its first visit since election,"