Former Chief Justice David Maraga has voiced serious concerns over reports that Jubbaland forces are operating in Mandera County, describing their presence as a threat to Kenya’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and national security.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 3, Maraga emphasized that the President and all state organs have a duty to safeguard Kenya’s territorial integrity. He called on President William Ruto to ensure the immediate withdrawal of Jubbaland troops.
“The protection of our territorial integrity is a fundamental duty imposed on the President and all state organs by our Constitution. I therefore call upon President Ruto to ensure the prompt withdrawal of Jubbaland forces from Kenya,” Maraga said.
The former CJ also urged Parliament to hold the President accountable, demanding a full explanation of how the foreign troops were allowed into Kenya and under what legal framework.
“The rule of law requires transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to constitutional procedures, especially in all matters of national security,” he stated.
Maraga warned that the presence of Jubbaland forces sets a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging external interference in Kenya’s internal affairs and undermining public confidence in the state’s ability to guarantee safety.
The alarm over Jubbaland forces in Mandera began on Friday, August 29, when Mandera Governor Adan Khalif revealed that the troops were operating in Border Point 1 Primary School, forcing the school to close. Khalif demanded immediate relocation, warning:
“We want to call upon President William Ruto, the commander-in-chief, to close the BP1 camp. If you don’t do it, we will do it ourselves.”
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also weighed in on Sunday, August 31, urging the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to remove the foreign troops.
“We are asking the commander-in-chief of the Kenya Defence Forces to immediately order an operation to flush out foreign troops from our land. This is our country, and we must protect our territorial integrity,” Gachagua stated.
The unfolding situation has sparked nationwide debate over sovereignty, national security, and the role of foreign forces on Kenyan soil.
