Former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua has delivered a stern warning to President William Ruto, demanding immediate action over the presence of foreign militias in Kenya.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 10, following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the DCP party headquarters in Nairobi, Gachagua expressed deep concern over Kenya's security situation, particularly in northeastern regions.
The DCP leader issued three categorical demands to President Ruto regarding the Mandera County crisis.
Gachagua has demanded the immediate expulsion of Jubaland militia and all foreign militias from Kenyan territory, describing their presence as a violation of international law and Kenya's diplomatic obligations.
The DCP leader also called for the immediate reopening of learning institutions in Mandera that were closed due to invasion by Jubaland militia and terrorist groups, insisting that adequate security be provided to students without fail.
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Third, he demanded that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) be allowed to discharge their full constitutional mandate without interference from what he termed as corrupt individuals in the Executive who seek to mortgage Kenya's sovereignty for personal gain.
"Mr. William Ruto, we are putting you on notice; Kenya's territorial integrity is sacred. Our sovereignty is not negotiable," Gachagua declared. "If you cannot defend the people and the Republic of Kenya from foreign invasion, not forgetting your bloody track record over the last three years, you know the honorable thing to do. Resign before the 2027 embarrassment that awaits you."
The demands come amid mounting concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Mandera County, where foreign military forces have allegedly established a significant presence on Kenyan soil.
Mandera County Senator Ali Roba has previously provided alarming accounts of the situation, contradicting government assurances about border security. According to Senator Roba, the crisis has severely impacted civilian life in the border town.
"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 had stated in earlier reports.
The Senator described an atmosphere of fear gripping residents as military buildups intensified.
"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.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen sought to downplay concerns about foreign military presence in Mandera County.
Speaking in Busia County, 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 an 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."
