A group of residents from Kotulo division in Mandera County have filed a petition in court seeking to halt the construction of a new secondary school, accusing Mandera South MP Haro Abdul Ebrahim of misusing public funds and sidelining public participation.
The petitioners, represented by lawyer Pauline Kiteng’e, argue that the MP directed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources toward building Gode Secondary School without consulting locals, despite the existence of Borehole Eleven Mixed Secondary School, which they say is in urgent need of upgrades.
They claim the project violates Article 10 of the Constitution, which guarantees public participation in development decisions. The residents are asking the court to issue conservatory orders stopping further construction and to compel the MP and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Board (NG-CDF) to engage the community before allocating funds.
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The petitioners, led by Abdia Abdula Hassan say repeated appeals through letters and peaceful protests have been ignored. In sworn affidavits, they allege that the MP has prioritized a new school just metres away from an existing one, while neglecting basic infrastructure needs such as sanitation, security, and learning facilities at Borehole Eleven.
“The community’s concerns have been dismissed, and the project risks inflaming local tensions,” Kiteng’e stated in court filings.
The petition also cites breaches of Articles 47, 201, and 232 of the Constitution, along with provisions in the NG-CDF Act that prohibit duplication of projects and require transparency in fund allocation.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi referred the case to the Garissa High Court for full hearing and determination.
By Masaki Enock
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