Former Chief Justice David Maraga has urged President William Ruto to take immediate action to ensure the withdrawal of Jubaland forces allegedly operating within Kenyan territory.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Maraga said reports of armed Jubaland troops entering and conducting operations in Mandera County raise serious constitutional, legal, and security concerns. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in handling such a matter, citing Article 238 of the Constitution, which underscores safeguarding Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as the primary objective of national security.
“Parliament must demand a full account from the President on how these forces were allowed into the country and under what legal framework,” Maraga said. He warned that allowing foreign forces to operate in Kenya undermines sovereignty, sets a dangerous precedent, and erodes citizens’ confidence in the government’s ability to protect them.
The former CJ insisted that no part of Kenya should feel neglected or exposed due to unconstitutional government decisions. “No part of our Republic is less Kenyan than another, and no community should feel abandoned,” he added.
His remarks come as political leaders and county officials echo concerns over the alleged presence of Jubaland forces. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called the situation unacceptable, urging President Ruto to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to Mandera to expel the militia. “It cannot be that forces from Somalia come into Kenya, occupy our land, and terrorize our people while the government remains silent,” Gachagua said.
Mandera Governor Adan Khalif also warned that the foreign forces were crippling local activities and instilling fear among residents. “Mandera cannot be turned into a battleground for Somalia. We have no interest in Somalia’s internal affairs,” Khalif stated.
Similarly, DAP-K party leader and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa demanded the government address the matter urgently, highlighting the impact on daily life in Mandera. “People are living in fear, farmers cannot access their land, and children cannot attend school. Some families are even relocating,” he noted.
The government is yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged incursion.
