Residents of Mandera County took to the streets over the weekend to protest the alleged presence of Jubaland forces within Kenyan territory, citing growing fears for their safety and that of their children. The demonstrators accused the national government of neglect, warning that the reported “illegal occupation” by foreign troops was fuelling insecurity and undermining Kenya’s sovereignty.
The protesters lamented that children have been unable to attend school for fear of abduction and forced recruitment by the foreign soldiers. They demanded immediate intervention to restore safety and protect the country’s territorial integrity.
The protests followed reports that Jubaland forces had allegedly crossed into Mandera County after recent clashes with the Somali National Army. Residents expressed concern that the development could expose them to greater instability, given the county’s vulnerability to cross-border conflict and extremist threats.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif echoed the residents’ concerns, noting that the presence of Jubaland forces had already disrupted daily life. He said the opening of a new military camp in the region had sparked insecurity and forced the closure of schools, just weeks before national examinations.
“We want to call upon President William Ruto, who is also the commander-in-chief, to close the BP1 camp opened recently. We are asking for an immediate relocation of Jubaland forces out of Mandera,” Khalif said on Friday. He further claimed that a public school had been closed and converted into a military training facility for the foreign troops.
Despite the mounting concerns, the national government has yet to issue an official statement. Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa criticized Defence CS Soipan Tuya for what he described as her “deafening silence” on the matter.
“It is a violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. I am surprised that up to now the Defence CS has not said anything, and we have not heard from the KDF. Are they allowing Jubaland forces to operate within Kenyan territory?” Wamalwa posed.
As tensions rise, Mandera residents are calling for swift government action to avert further insecurity and restore confidence in the protection of Kenya’s borders.
