A number of leaders have raised alarm over the presence of foreign forces in Mandera County, demanding their immediate withdrawal amid growing concerns about Kenya's territorial integrity and national security.
The call, directed at President William Ruto, comes from leaders including Mandera and Trans Nzoia governors, as well as former Chief Justice David Maraga.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, former Chief Justice Maraga asserted that the presence of the Jubaland forces is a direct violation of Kenya’s sovereignty.
Maraga demanded a response from President Ruto’s administration, questioning how a foreign security outfit was allowed to operate within Kenyan borders without a public explanation or formal agreement.
“I also urge Parliament, as the representative of the people, to demand a full account from President Ruto on how these forces were allowed into our country, and under what legal framework. The rule of law requires transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to constitutional procedures, especially in all matters of national security,” he added.
His statement came after residents of Mandera protested against the presence of foreign troops, citing concerns over their safety and security.
Maraga stated that recent reports confirming the entry and operations of armed Jubaland fighters in Mandera County had raised serious constitutional, legal, and security concerns.
“As a sovereign state, Kenya’s borders are inviolable. The protection of our territorial integrity is a fundamental duty imposed on the President and all state organs by our Constitution,” he stated.
Maraga reiterated that the main goal of national security is to protect Kenya’s sovereignty, its territorial integrity, and the safety of its people.
He warned that allowing foreign troops into Kenya without clear legal procedures set a dangerous precedent that could embolden external actors to interfere with the country’s internal affairs.
“This serious violation of our sovereignty sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden external actors to interfere with our internal affairs and weaken the confidence of our citizens, as it has already done, in the State’s ability to guarantee their safety and security,” he said.
This followed a statement by Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, a career regional administrator, who had warned that Kenya's territorial integrity was under threat due to the presence of foreign troops in Mandera County.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif had earlier raised concerned stating that the reported spillover of Jubaland forces into Kenyan territory posed a direct threat to both local security and national sovereignty.
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