Residents in Mandera’s Border One Post (BP1) location on Tuesday took to the streets to protest the continued presence of Jubbaland forces in their village.
The demonstrators claimed that their children have been unable to attend school for fear of abduction and forced recruitment by the foreign troops.
The protesters accused the national government of neglecting their plight, warning that the alleged “illegal occupation” by Jubbaland forces was fuelling insecurity in the region. They demanded immediate intervention to restore safety and safeguard Kenya’s territorial integrity.
The demonstrations came after reports that Jubbaland forces had allegedly set up camp inside Mandera County following clashes with the Somali National Army.
Residents expressed fears that the development could expose them to heightened insecurity, including cross-border instability.
Mandera Governor
Earlier, Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif echoed the concerns, stating that the reported spillover of Jubbaland forces into Kenyan territory posed a direct threat to both local security and national sovereignty.
Speaking on Friday, the governor revealed that the recently opened Jubaland camp had caused insecurity and prompted the closure of schools ahead of the upcoming national exams.
''We want to call upon President William Ruto, who is also the commander-in-chief, and ask that they close the BP1 camp opened recently. We are asking for an immediate relocation of Jubaland forces out of Mandera,'' the governor said.
According to the governor, a public school was closed and converted into a military training camp to accommodate the Jubaland forces.
Governments Silence
The government is yet to issue a statement on the reported presence of foreign forces on Kenyan soil despite the calls to intervene and address the matter.
On Sunday, former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa faulted his successor, Soipan Tuya, for what he termed as her “deafening silence” over the unfolding crisis in Mandera.
Wamalwa insisted that as the country’s Defence chief, Tuya should publicly address the matter and assure Kenyans living along the border of their safety.
“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.
