Mandera Senator Ali Roba has warned that county leaders may mobilise residents to defend themselves if Jubaland forces are not removed from Mandera town.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 3, Roba said foreign troops have occupied parts of the town, forcing schools to close, disrupting businesses and displacing families. "We wish to raise the gravest concern about the presence of Jubaland forces inside Mandera town," said Roba, adding, "Their illegal occupation has thrown our community into chaos." He accused the government of failing to act, saying the presence of the troops risked lives and violated the country's sovereignty. "Kenya's interests must lie in its strategic relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia not in protecting a rogue state government," noted Roba.
Residents staged demonstrations on Tuesday at Mandera's Border Point One area protesting the alleged presence of Jubaland forces.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is investigating the reports.
