MPs fault KDF for neglecting security as cross-border threats escalate
The MPs also criticised the government for deploying security officers to Haiti while Kenya’s own borders remained vulnerable.
MPs have raised concerns that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is neglecting its primary responsibility of national security in favour of civilian projects, as incidents of cross-border incursions and kidnappings continue to rise.
Lawmakers argue that the military’s increasing involvement in non-defence activities is weakening the country’s security, citing recent security breaches, including the abduction of five chiefs in Mandera, harassment of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan security personnel in Lake Victoria, and raids in Turkana by Toposa militants from South Sudan.
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Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru faced tough questions from the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over KDF’s role in national development projects, with some MPs warning that the military was straying from its constitutional mandate.
The MPs questioned whether Kenyans should be concerned about their safety, given that military officers are preoccupied with other engagements.
“There is a debate that KDF is veering off its core mandate to engage in civilian projects that can be easily undertaken by local companies. Do you think there is conflict?” Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera posed.
Mariru defended KDF’s work, stating, “KDF is doing amazing work, and people may make conclusions because of one incident. The involvement of KDF in national projects is not outside what they are supposed to do.”
However, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Butere MP Tindi Mwale, who is also the PAC vice-chairperson, questioned the government’s priorities, saying border security remained a major concern.
"The incursions happen all over the Kenyan borders including Lake Victoria," Amolo said.
Mwale added, “Let KDF stick to its mandate. Recently, five chiefs were abducted in Mandera and taken inside the neighbouring Somalia.”
The MPs also criticised the government for deploying security officers to Haiti while Kenya’s own borders remained vulnerable.
“There is also the issue of Migingo where fishermen and women are harassed in Kenyan waters of Lake Victoria by Ugandan security officers. This calls for KDF to stick to its mandate. Why take our officers to Haiti when you cannot secure our borders?” Mwale posed.
Civilian projects
While KDF has undertaken numerous civilian projects, including road construction, infrastructure development, and humanitarian assistance, lawmakers insist that securing the country should remain its primary focus.
The Al Shabaab militants who abducted five chiefs from Mandera County reportedly demanded a ransom of Sh7 million for their release.
The chiefs were kidnapped on February 3, a day before President William Ruto’s visit to Mandera, sparking fear and urgency among local leaders.
The abducted officials—Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow, and Senior Chief Abdi Suraw—were travelling to Elwak for official duties when their vehicle was ambushed near Iresuki village. Suspected militants intercepted them, blindfolded them, and took control of the vehicle before heading towards Lafey, an area known for frequent attacks.
Security officials believe the kidnappers had prior knowledge of the chiefs’ movements, raising suspicions of local complicity in the abduction.
The incident, occurring just a day before President Ruto’s visit, has heightened concerns over security in Mandera, an area that has long struggled with threats from the Somalia-based militant group.
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