Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has sharply criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over what he termed as reckless dismissal of the security crisis in Mandera County. Kalonzo claims Somalia’s Jubaland forces have crossed into Kenyan territory, terrorising residents while the government remains unresponsive.
In an X post on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Kalonzo accused Murkomen of making “insensitive” remarks by denying the presence of foreign troops in Mandera. He said the situation amounts to a siege that threatens Kenya’s sovereignty.
“Mandera County is under siege. Jubaland forces from Somalia have crossed into Kenyan territory and are terrorising our people, yet the CS for Interior continues to deny their presence,” Kalonzo stated.
The opposition chief further faulted President William Ruto, accusing him of failing to defend Kenya’s borders despite repeated appeals from the Governor of Mandera. “Even the President himself has chosen inaction, appearing too weak to defend the sovereignty of our nation,” Kalonzo wrote.
He warned that the government’s reluctance to act constitutes dereliction of duty, undermining its legitimacy. “A government that cannot protect its borders or its citizens has no moral right to call itself a government of the people,” he added.
On Wednesday, September 3, CS Murkomen dismissed the claims, saying there is no verified intelligence linking armed groups in Mandera to Jubaland forces. He explained that border regions often receive civilians fleeing instability in Somalia, which can sometimes be mistaken for organised armed units.
“When there are challenges, there are citizens who feel endangered in their countries and run to Kenya. But for now, we cannot confirm whether they were forces or civilians. Only proper investigations can determine that,” Murkomen said.
Security agencies have since launched investigations, but tensions remain high in Mandera as residents continue to report sightings of armed groups near the Kenya-Somalia border.
