Opposition Raises Alarm on Foreign Forces
Nairobi, Kenya- Wiper Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto’s administration of turning a blind eye to what he calls a violation of Kenya’s sovereignty in Mandera County.
Kalonzo claimed that armed forces from Somalia’s Jubaland region have crossed into Kenyan territory, occupying a primary school and leaving pupils stranded.
“The army from Somalia is in Mandera. They are telling us not to be afraid because they’ve spoken with our leaders,” Kalonzo said during a rally in Tseikuru.
He demanded that President Ruto act swiftly to “flush out” the alleged troops and restore normalcy for Mandera residents who are now living in fear.
Government Pushes Back on Claims
The allegations have stirred anxiety across northern Kenya, but senior government officials insist the fears are misplaced.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed talk of a security breach, assuring citizens that no Somali forces are threatening Kenya’s territorial integrity.
“I want to be clear: Kenya is not under threat from Somalia or any regional force from Somalia. The only threat we face is from Al Shabaab,” Murkomen stated at a past event.
His remarks were meant to calm tensions after a section of opposition leaders amplified claims of Jubaland’s presence in Mandera.
Calls for Accountability Grow Louder
Despite the government’s assurances, political voices across the spectrum are urging transparency. Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and former Chief Justice David Maraga have criticized what they described as a “deafening silence” from national leaders on the sensitive issue.
For Mandera residents, the situation remains a balancing act between official reassurances and the visible disruption to daily life. As the debate intensifies, pressure is mounting on President Ruto’s administration to clarify whether foreign troops are indeed stationed on Kenyan soil—or if the matter is a case of political fearmongering.
