Jubaland Forces Cross Into Mandera Town, Senator Claims

Mandera County Senator Roba Ali Ibrahim has claimed that Jubaland forces from Somalia have crossed into Mandera town, causing panic among residents.

The Senator said schools had been shut, businesses disrupted, and families displaced in fear of stray bullets, RPGs and unexploded bombs. He accused the Jubaland troops of camping inside Mandera, describing it as a violation of Kenya’s sovereignty.

“Shockingly, Jubaland forces are consolidating their strength inside Mandera town on Kenyan soil, literally taking over our community. This is a humiliation of our sovereignty,” Ibrahim wrote on his X account. He warned that Kenya’s national interest lies with Somalia’s federal government and not with “a rogue regional administration.”

He further cautioned that if the government fails to remove the forces, local leaders may be forced to mobilize residents to defend themselves, which could endanger peace.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed the claims, saying the government had no reports of Jubaland troops inside Kenya. Speaking in Busia during the launch of his Jukwaa la Usalama tour, Murkomen said anyone crossing into Kenya because of the Somalia conflict would be handled according to international law.

“Our priority is to ensure no criminal elements enter the country. Those seeking refuge will be assisted in collaboration with the Somali government,” Murkomen said. He warned politicians against politicizing security matters, assuring Mandera residents that their safety was guaranteed.

But Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused President William Ruto of compromising Kenya’s sovereignty. “What we are witnessing in Mandera is occupation. Mr. Ruto, have you seceded Kenyan territory to foreign troops?” Kalonzo asked.

Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa also faulted Defence CS Soipan Tuya for what he called “deafening silence” on the issue. He said residents were living in fear and some families had already fled.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua echoed the concerns, urging President Ruto to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces. “It cannot be that foreign forces are in our land and the government is quiet. We are asking him to immediately order an operation to flush them out,” Gachagua said.

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Jubaland troops, claiming they had set up camp at BP1 Primary School, forcing its closure and displacing learners preparing for national exams.