Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims that Jubaland forces are stationed in Mandera County.
Speaking at a press conference in Busia on Wednesday September 3, Murkomen said that the government suspects Somali residents are fleeing to Kenya due to the increasing insecurity in their country. However, he is not convinced that these individuals are foreign forces.
Murkomen's statement came after residents and leaders of the county alleged the presence of foreign troops, claiming that they threaten the safety and security of the region.
Murkomen affirmed that the government is keen to address the concerns raised by citizens, adding that security agencies in Mandera are in full control and there is no security challenge in the county.
"We can not yet confirm whether people coming to Kenya from Somalia are civilians or forces; this will be done once we do a security analysis in the county. If we reach a stage where there is any challenge, we will tell the country, but at the moment we don't have any difficulty," Murkomen said.
"The complaints that have come from citizens have been looked at, and also, there is no school that has been occupied. If there is any part of the country where there is a spill of citizens, especially in Somalia, our security team will work on it to ensure that they return," he added.
Murkomen claimed that if it is determined that individuals fleeing Somalia for Kenya are civilians, the Kenyan government will collaborate with the Somali government to ensure their safe return, but if they are criminals, security agencies will take action against them.
Murkomen also claimed that the occupation of Mandera by Jubaland forces is politically motivated and driven by individuals who oppose President William Ruto's administration.
"The main problem that bothers us most in the country is the criminals, and if there are any criminals, security agencies will take action, but people who are running away from their country, we will ensure that we take care of it so that it does not become a security challenge," Murkomen stated.
The announcement by Murkomen comes hours after the former Chief Justice David Maraga said that President William Ruto should ensure the immediate withdrawal of Jubaland forces in Mandera.
In a statement on Wednesday, Maraga claimed that the presence of the force in Mandera is a direct violation of the country's sovereignty.
Maraga claimed that the government should explain why foreign forces are operating within the country 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.
