Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has firmly rejected reports suggesting that Jubaland forces have crossed into Kenyan territory and are operating within Mandera County.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Murkomen said the government had not received verified intelligence pointing to a cross-border security threat. He assured Kenyans that investigations were ongoing, stressing that any conclusions would only be drawn after thorough analysis.
“Mandera, like other border counties, has historically received people fleeing instability from neighbouring countries. At times, ordinary citizens can mistake the movement of civilians for organised forces,” Murkomen explained. “It is only through proper security analysis that one can determine whether they are civilians or armed groups.”
The CS emphasized that the government would not act on speculation. “Security issues must be handled as security issues. If we reach a stage where there is a challenge, we will inform the country. At the moment, we don’t have any,” he said.
Murkomen’s remarks came just hours after Mandera Senator Ali Roba raised alarm over what he described as Jubaland troops consolidating power inside Mandera town. According to Roba, fear has gripped residents, schools have shut down, and businesses have been paralysed.
“Jubaland forces are now inside Mandera town. Families are fleeing, and an atmosphere of fear has engulfed the entire community as both Jubaland and Somalia’s federal forces build up troops and weapons, preparing for war,” Roba warned.
In response, Murkomen sought to reassure Mandera residents, urging them to remain calm and to continue cooperating with security officers on the ground. He underlined that the safety of Kenyans remains the government’s top priority.
For locals in Mandera, such assurances are critical. Sitting on the volatile border with Somalia, the county has long grappled with cross-border insecurity, displacement, and sporadic violence. While the government’s stance has eased immediate fears, residents will be closely monitoring how events unfold in the coming days.
