The government has launched investigations into reports that Jubaland forces from neighbouring Somalia may have crossed into Mandera County.
Speaking in Busia during the launch of the Jukwaa la Usalama tour in Western Kenya, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is not aware of any foreign troops operating within Kenyan borders.
“As of now, there are no such forces in the country that the government is aware of,” Murkomen told journalists.
“The government's priority is to ensure that no criminal elements enter the country. Those seeking refuge will be assisted, in collaboration with the Somali government, with whom we have a strong bilateral relationship,” he added.
His remarks follow unrest in Mandera’s Border Point One (BP1) area, where residents staged demonstrations on Tuesday to protest what they alleged was the presence of Jubaland forces in their village.
Some residents claimed their children were avoiding school due to fears of abduction and forced recruitment.
Protesters claimed that their concerns had been neglected.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif supported the residents’ concerns, saying there were foreign forces present in the region.
He cautioned that their entry into the country could threaten local security and Kenya’s national sovereignty.
“The presence of these foreign troops undermines the peace and security of our people and cannot be ignored,” Khalif said.
“The national government must act swiftly to protect our borders and ensure the safety of all Kenyans.”
Jubaland forces are the regional security forces of Jubaland State, a semi-autonomous region in southern Somalia that borders Kenya and Ethiopia.
On August 11, Jubaland government denied reports that its soldiers are present in Mandera.
Hundreds of people have sought refuge in the town following fighting between the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces, which has resulted in displacement.
The dispute centers on control of Bula Hawa, involving the Somali National Army, led by Abdikadir Janaan, and the Jubaland Security Forces.
Mohamed Sayid, the vice president of Jubaland region, speaking to the BBC Somali service on Saturday, stated that their forces remain on the border and have not entered Kenyan territory.
He also sought to reassure border communities concerned about their safety during recent protests.
“Our forces have not crossed into Kenyan territory but are near the border. We are in communication with the Mandera security committee led by the county commissioner. Residents have no reason to fear for their security and safety,” he said.
