Murkomen Rubbishes Reports of Jubaland Occupation in Mandera, Calls It Political Propaganda
Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims that Jubaland forces have entered Mandera County.
Speaking in Busia on Wednesday September 3, Murkomen said insecurity in Somalia has led to people fleeing into Kenya but there’s no evidence they are foreign troops. He said Kenyan security agencies are in full control of Mandera and the situation is not a problem.
“We can’t confirm whether those coming in from Somalia are civilians or fighters. We will do a proper security analysis and if we find a challenge we will inform the country. For now there’s no problem,” Murkomen said.
This came after local leaders and residents claimed foreign forces were in the county and raised concerns.
Murkomen said no schools or public facilities had been taken over by outsiders and if Somali civilians had crossed into Kenya they would be safely returned home through government cooperation. But if criminals were found among them security forces would take action.
He also said the narrative of Mandera being “occupied” by Jubaland forces was political and was being fueled by those opposed to President William Ruto’s administration.
“The real problem is criminal elements and security agencies are ready to deal with them. For those fleeing Somalia we won’t let the issue become a security challenge,” Murkomen said.
This came shortly after former Chief Justice David Maraga asked President Ruto to order Jubaland forces to leave the country immediately. Maraga said their presence violates Kenya’s sovereignty and demanded to know how foreign troops could be in the country without public disclosure or a formal agreement.
“I urge Parliament to demand accountability from the President on the legal framework under which such forces would be allowed in Kenya. The rule of law requires transparency, accountability and constitutionalism in all national security matters,” Maraga said.
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Murkomen Rubbishes Reports of Jubaland Occupation in Mandera, Calls It Political Propaganda