I clearly remember the mixed feelings and uncertainty in me on learning that Merille was to be my next project early this year. There was the feeling of great adventure ahead in unknown jungle, but there was also fear. This northern frontier of Kenya has filled local news with all kinds of negative events from cattle rustling, banditry to inter-clan clashes.
The first reflex action was to research as much as possible about Marsabit from the internet and what I learnt was disturbing. I remember well the story by Capital FM crew that had traveled to Marsabit, and on their way they had meet groups of people attacked by bandits,
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2012/07/marsabit-road-of-terror-and-death/. The road was bad and their 4WD vehicle moved at low speed. Somehow I conquered the fear and proceeded with the trip as planned.
We started our journey from Nairobi at 4 pm and after traveling for 196 km we arrived at Nanyuki town by 9 pm, where we took a rest. The following day we left early and had our breakfast at Isiolo town, 80 km north of Nanyuki. When traveling through this route, Isiolo is a necessary stopover for many reasons. If sending a parcel by courier service, its the last town to the north where G4S and Wells Fargo has a presence. Its also where security arrangements are made, to hire armed AP or the Kenya Police Reservist commonly referred to as KPR.
Past Isiolo we cruised on a nicely paved road to our next destination, Merille 139 km ahead. Along the way we passed by many British army trucks and a barrack near Archers post. Another town where one can pick armed escort. The section between Archers post and Merille river is the most bandits prone. So bad that at times they open fire to convoys with armed escorts. Its also an area where most attacks has occurred. It was our lucky day we were told as we reached Merille river safely.
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| Huge open no mans land |
Merille town is an interesting outpost town with a few shops. This where the tarmac road ends and the mobile network is non existent. The local Rendile people are friendly lot and could afford a smile despite the tough environment. Here we let go our escort and proceeded to Loglogo camp, past Laisamis town where we had our lunch. The landscape had interesting features of rock outcrops and small hills.
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| Rocky hills |
We arrived safely at our camp for a meeting and later on proceeded to Marsabit town for a hotel accommodation for the night. I was very eager to explore the town the following day and experience the local flavors and culture.
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| At Logologo center, near our camp |
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| The harsh terrain at Laisamis |
