The First Governor of Mandera, Ali Ibrahim Roba, has sounded the alarm over what he calls an “alarming security crisis” following the alleged presence of Jubaland forces in Mandera town.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the former county boss claimed that the infiltration of Jubaland troops has disrupted normal life in the border county. According to Roba, Mandera schools have been shut down, businesses paralyzed, and families displaced in fear of stray bullets, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and unexploded ordnance.
“An atmosphere of fear has engulfed the entire town as both Jubaland and Somalia’s federal forces build up weapons and troops, preparing for war,” Roba wrote.
Roba: Kenya’s Sovereignty Under Threat
The ex-governor equated the presence of foreign troops in Mandera to a violation of Kenya’s sovereignty, warning that the situation is humiliating for the nation.
“Shockingly, Jubaland forces are consolidating their strength inside Mandera town on Kenyan soil, literally taking over our community. This is a humiliation of our sovereignty,” Roba said.
He likened the conflict between Jubaland and Somalia’s federal government to a scenario where a Kenyan county government declares war against the Republic of Kenya.
According to him, Kenya should prioritize its strategic relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia, not align with what he termed a “rogue state government.”
“Allowing Jubaland troops to operate in Mandera, putting Kenyan lives and property at mortal risk, is shameful, reckless, and a betrayal of our people,” he added.
Governor Ali Roba Threatens Local Mobilization
The governor did not mince words in his warning, insisting that the national government will be held accountable for any deaths, injuries, or destruction of property in Mandera.
“If the government fails to act immediately and decisively to remove Jubaland forces from Mandera County, we will be forced to mobilize ourselves to defend our people—an outcome that will endanger peace and cause grave international embarrassment for Kenya,” Roba warned.
He emphasized that the people of Mandera come first, stressing that foreign conflicts should never spill into Kenya’s border towns.
Murkomen Dismisses Jubaland Forces in Mandera Claims
However, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly denied the presence of Jubaland forces in Kenya. Speaking in Busia during the launch of the Jukwaa la Usalama Security Engagements, Murkomen assured residents that the government remains in full control of the situation.
“They are not invited,” Murkomen said, clarifying that the movement of Jubaland fighters across the border is linked to internal strife in Somalia, not an organized deployment into Kenya.
The CS downplayed fears, saying security agencies are on high alert and that Kenyans should not worry about the situation.
“Our borders are secure, and we will not allow Mandera residents to be caught up in foreign conflicts,” Murkomen stated.
Growing Concerns Along the Kenya-Somalia Border
The contradictory statements from Governor Ali Roba and CS Murkomen now leave many questions unanswered about the Mandera security crisis. While the governor insists that Jubaland forces have taken over parts of Mandera town, the national government maintains that no such infiltration exists.
Observers say the standoff highlights the fragile nature of the Kenya-Somalia border conflict, where local communities often bear the brunt of tensions between Jubaland and Somalia’s federal government.
Unless the situation is addressed decisively, residents fear Mandera could once again become the epicenter of cross-border insecurity, undermining peace and stability in Kenya’s northeastern frontier.
