Former Chief Justice David Maraga has weighed in on reports of Jubbaland forces operating in Mandera County.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 3, Maraga said the presence of the foreign troops in the country raises profound constitutional, legal, and security concerns.
Maraga pointed out that the President and all state organs have a duty to safeguard Kenya’s territorial integrity.
The former CJ called on President William Ruto to ensure the immediate withdrawal of Jubbaland forces from the Kenyan territory.
“The protection of our territorial integrity is a fundamental duty imposed on the President and all state organs by our Constitution.
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“I therefore call upon President Ruto to ensure the prompt withdrawal of Jubbaland forces from Kenya,” said Maraga.
He also challenged Parliament to demand accountability from President Ruto for how the Jubbaland forces were allowed into the country.
“I also urge Parliament, as the representative of the people, to demand a full account from President Ruto on how these forces were allowed into our country, 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,” Maraga stated.
Further, the former Chief Justice warned that the presence of the Jubbaland troops in Kenya sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden external actors to interfere in Kenya’s internal affairs.
“This serious violation of our sovereignty sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden external actors to interfere with our internal affairs and weaken the confidence of our citizens, as it has already done, in the State’s ability to guarantee their safety and security,” Maraga added.
On Friday, August 29, Mandera Governor Adan Khalif raised an alarm on the presence of Jubbaland forces in the county.
Khalif revealed that the Jubbaland troops were operating in Border Point 1 Primary school, a move which has resulted in the closure of the institution.
"We want to call upon President William Ruto, who is also the commander-in-chief, and ask that they close the BP1 camp opened recently. We are asking for an immediate relocation of Jubbaland forces out of Mandera," said the Mandera governor.
He continued, “I want to tell them, if you don’t do it, we will do it ourselves.”
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Sunday, August 31, also questioned the presence of Jubbaland forces in Mandera.
Gachagua called on President Ruto to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to drive the Jubbaland forces out of Mandera.
“We are asking the commander-in-chief of the Kenya Defence Forces to immediately order an operation to flush out foreign troops out of our land. This is our country. We have a responsibility to protect our territorial integrity,” Gachagua stated.
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