Murkomen insists no foreign troops are operating in Mandera, says Al-shabaab remains only threat
Murkomen dismissed reports that Jubaland forces had allegedly crossed into Mandera, urging politicians not to exploit security matters for political gain.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says no foreign troops are operating in Mandera County, assuring the public that Kenya’s territorial integrity remains intact.
He emphasised that the country faces no external military threats, with the terrorism threat, particularly from Al-Shabaab, being the only persistent danger.
More To Read
- Murkomen declares crackdown on criminal gangs causing mayhem in Western Kenya
- Senator Ali Roba raises further alarm over presence of Jubaland Forces in Mandera
- Murkomen: Security agencies probing claims of Jubaland forces in Mandera
- Maraga urges President Ruto to order withdrawal of Jubaland forces from Mandera
- Mandera residents protest presence of Jubaland forces in the county
- Ruto, Defence CS Tuya criticised over their silence as Jubaland forces occupy Mandera
Speaking during his 36th Jukwaa La Usalama tour in Kakamega, Murkomen dismissed reports that Jubaland forces had allegedly crossed into Mandera, urging politicians not to exploit security matters for political gain.
“I want to once again reiterate that Kenya is safe and is under no threat whatsoever from any foreign force. Kenya is not fighting Somalia or any regional force from Somalia; we are fighting one enemy, which is Al-Shabaab,” he said.
Murkomen also explained that cross-border challenges, such as civilians fleeing conflict in Somalia, are handled within established diplomatic frameworks.
“What we have always had from time to time are our neighbours running away from conflict to seek refuge, and there is a way of handling their return under established diplomatic protocols,” he said.
In a recent statement from Busia, Murkomen clarified that Kenya has no policy allowing Somali national or regional troops to operate on its soil. He said individuals seen in Mandera were likely fleeing conflict and had not been authorised to operate inside Kenya.
“The people who are in Mandera are not in Kenya on an invitation by the government of Kenya,” he said, assuring that investigations are underway to identify those in the country illegally and ensure they are returned home peacefully.
Murkomen’s statements come amid concerns raised by Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif and Mandera Senator Ali Roba, who alleged that Jubaland forces were operating in Mandera town, causing school closures, business disruptions, and the displacement of families.
“Jubaland forces are now inside Mandera town. Schools have been shut down, businesses paralysed and families displaced in fear of stray bullets, RPGs and unexploded ordnance,” Roba alleged.
Roba warned that hosting foreign troops without authorisation undermines Kenya’s sovereignty and urged the national government to act promptly to restore order.
Top Stories Today
