Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on President William Ruto to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to Mandera to drive out alleged Jubaland troops said to be operating within the border town.
Gachagua warned that the presence of the foreign militia poses a direct threat to Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“It cannot be that foreign forces are in our land and the government is quiet. The commander-in-chief is quiet. We are asking him to immediately order an operation to flush out foreign troops. This is our country, and we must protect it,” he said.
The former DP further criticized both the government and local leaders for remaining silent as reports of Jubaland forces terrorizing residents spread.
Mandera Leaders Join in Protest
Gachagua’s remarks come just days after Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif also demanded the immediate withdrawal of Jubaland forces. Khalif claimed the militia had set up camp at BP1 Primary School in Mandera Town, leading to its closure and forcing pupils preparing for national exams to flee.
“Mandera cannot be turned into a battleground for Somalia. You cannot close schools, farms, and water points in the name of supporting a faction in Somalia. If these forces are not removed, we will take action ourselves,” the governor warned.
He added that clashes between the Somali National Army and Jubaland fighters have spilled across the border, threatening lives and disrupting daily activities in Mandera.
Rising Tensions at the Border
Local residents have been protesting the alleged presence of Jubaland troops, fearing the conflict could escalate into a full-scale confrontation inside Kenya.
However, Jubaland Vice President Mohamed Sayid dismissed the allegations earlier this month. Speaking to Hiran Online, Sayid maintained that Jubaland forces remain confined to the Somali side of the border.
The escalating accusations now put pressure on the national government to clarify the situation and reassure citizens of Mandera that Kenya’s borders remain secure.
