Mandera Senator Ali Roba has expressed concern over what he claims is the presence of Jubaland forces inside Mandera town.
In a statement on Wednesday, Roba said the situation poses a risk to residents and could undermine Kenya’s territorial sovereignty.
“Jubaland forces are now inside Mandera town. Schools have been shut down, businesses paralysed and families displaced in fear of stray bullets, RPGs and unexploded ordnance,” Roba alleged.
He added that an atmosphere of fear had engulfed the town.
The Senator warned that unless urgent action is taken, the consequences could be serious.
Roba also questioned the legal and constitutional basis for the alleged presence of foreign forces in Mandera, arguing that hosting an armed group from a neighbouring country without formal authorisation undermines Kenya’s sovereignty.
“The absurdity of a regional state government fighting its federal government is akin to Mandera County Government declaring war against the Republic of Kenya,” Roba said.
“Yet we are now hosting these foreign forces in our own town.”
He called on the national government to act by removing the alleged Jubaland troops and reasserting control over the region.
He further cautioned that failure to act could compel local leaders to take steps to defend their communities, warning this could “endanger peace and cause grave international embarrassment for Kenya.”
On Tuesday, residents staged demonstrations protesting the alleged presence of Jubaland forces at Mandera’s Border Point One (BP1) area.
In response to the reports, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is carrying out investigations.
Speaking in Busia, Murkomen said the government was not aware of the presence of any such forces in the country.
“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.
The CS cautioned politicians against politicising the issue, saying security matters are handled carefully in the best interests of the country.
Murkomen assured the people of Mandera that their safety and security is guaranteed and that security agencies remain on high alert.
On August 11, the Jubaland administration denied reports that its soldiers are present in Mandera.
Mohamed Sayid, the vice president of the Jubaland region, told the BBC Somali service that their forces remain near the border but have not crossed into Kenya.
“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.
