A tense calm has gripped Mandera town after Mandera Senator Ali Roba issued a hard-hitting statement alleging that Jubaland forces have crossed into Kenyan territory and are operating within the town. Roba claims schools have been closed, businesses disrupted, and families displaced amid fears of stray bullets and unexploded ordnance as rival Somali forces build up across the border.
What Senator Roba Is Alleging
- Foreign troops inside Mandera: Roba asserts that Jubaland units have “consolidated their strength” within Mandera, calling it a humiliation of Kenya’s sovereignty.
- Civilians at risk: He says residents are living in fear of stray bullets, RPGs, and UXO, with normal life reportedly disrupted.
- Rising military build-up: According to the senator, both Jubaland and Somalia federal forces are escalating weapons and troops near the frontier, heightening the risk of open conflict.
- Policy misalignment: Roba argues Kenya’s strategic interests lie with Somalia’s Federal Government, not with a regional state, and condemns any tolerance of foreign troops on Kenyan soil.
“Foreign conflicts must be fought on foreign soil, not on the streets of Mandera,” Roba warns, adding that the Government of Kenya would bear responsibility for any casualties or damage arising from inaction.
Call For Immediate Action
Roba urges the national government to act swiftly and decisively to remove any foreign troops from Mandera County. He stresses that support for the administration should not be interpreted as a license to “gamble with the lives” of local residents. If no action is taken, he cautions that local leaders may feel compelled to “mobilize to defend our people,” a move he concedes would endanger peace and cause serious international embarrassment for Kenya.
Why This Matters
Mandera sits at a sensitive tri-border with Somalia and Ethiopia, an area historically prone to spillover tensions. Any confirmed presence of foreign armed units inside Kenyan territory would raise urgent questions about:
- Border security and sovereignty
- Civilian safety and humanitarian access
- Diplomatic posture toward Somalia’s federal and regional authorities
- Contingency plans for schooling, healthcare, and commerce during disruptions
What Residents Need To Know (Public Awareness)
- Follow official advisories: Monitor alerts from local administration, Interior Ministry, and security agencies for verified updates and movement guidance.
- Safety first: Avoid potential flashpoints, report suspicious ordnance to authorities, and keep emergency contacts and first-aid supplies accessible.
- Schools & businesses: Check with school heads and county offices regarding temporary closures or phased reopenings; businesses should assess staff safety and contingency plans.
