Mandera County Senator Ali Roba has provided a detailed account of the situation in Mandera town, contradicting government assurances and painting a picture of a community under siege by foreign military forces.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 3, Senator Roba described escalating tensions and warned of potential violence as Jubbaland forces allegedly consolidate their presence within Kenyan territory.
According to Senator Roba, the situation in Mandera has deteriorated significantly, with foreign military presence directly impacting civilian life and local economic activity.
"Jubaland forces are now inside Mandera town. Schools have been shut down, businesses paralyzed, and families displaced in fear of stray bullets, RPGs, and unexploded ordnance," Roba stated.
The Senator described an atmosphere of fear gripping the border town as military buildups intensified.
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"An atmosphere of fear has engulfed the entire town as both Jubaland and Somalia's federal forces build up weapons and troops, preparing for war," he explained.
Senator Roba expressed strong concerns about Kenya's territorial integrity, describing the presence of foreign forces as a direct affront to national 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," the Senator declared. "The absurdity of a regional state government fighting its federal government is akin to Mandera County Government declaring war against the Republic of Kenya, yet we are now hosting these foreign forces in our own town."
The Senator criticized Kenya's handling of the situation, arguing that the country's strategic interests lie elsewhere in the region.
"Kenya's national interest lies with its strategic relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia, not in protecting a rogue state government," Roba stated, calling the government's approach misguided.
He went further to condemn what he described as endangering Kenyan lives: "Allowing Jubbaland troops to operate in Mandera, putting Kenyan lives and property at mortal risk, is shameful, reckless, and a betrayal of our people."
Senator Roba emphasized that regional conflicts should not spill over into Kenyan territory, warning about accountability.
"Foreign conflicts must be fought on foreign soil, not on the streets of Mandera." He stated. "The Government of Kenya will bear full responsibility for any deaths, injuries, or destruction of property in Mandera."
Senator Roba's detailed account comes just hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen sought to downplay concerns about foreign military presence in Mandera County.
Speaking in Busia County earlier on Wednesday, CS Murkomen had assured Kenyans that their security remained the government's priority.
"If there are any people from Somalia here in Kenya, it's not on official invitation. Most times they are running from security problems from their country."
The Cabinet Secretary had specifically addressed concerns about educational facilities being occupied by foreign forces, assuring that the information peddled around in reports was fake.
“The issue of a school occupied by forces, we have done research, and no school has been occupied."
The controversy began when Mandera Governor Adan Khalif raised concerns about Jubbaland forces operating in the county, specifically around Border Point 1 Primary school.
The governor had called for immediate intervention from President William Ruto to relocate the foreign forces.
"We want to call upon President William Ruto, 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," the governor stated.
