Mandera Senator Ali Roba has said that Jubbaland forces have entered Mandera town, which he described as a direct threat to Kenya’s sovereignty and the safety of the residents.
Roba said the situation is getting worse, with many schools closed, businesses shut and families displaced, while Jubbaland and Somali federal government forces are stockpiling weapons and preparing for war.
“Jubaland forces have taken over Mandera town outright. This is an affront to our sovereignty,” Roba said.
The senator accused the government of negligence and betrayal, saying it had allowed foreign troops to be stationed in Kenya. He warned that if the government did not take immediate action, the residents would be forced to mobilize to defend themselves and their property.
“The fight must be fought on their land, not on the streets of Mandera,” he added.
Roba’s statement came after the Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, stressed that there were no Jubaland troops in Mandera and that security was under the control of Kenyan authorities.
He said the border activities were due to civilians fleeing fighting in Somalia.
The tension has sparked protests in villages along the border.
Other leaders, including former officials, have also called for the government to respond quickly to the issue, warning that the presence of foreign troops is undermining Kenya’s sovereignty.
