Mandera, Kenya– Mandera Senator Ali Roba has raised an alarm over a deepening crisis in Mandera town, claiming that forces from Somalia’s Jubbaland state have illegally crossed into Kenya and are now occupying the town.
The Senator described the situation as “alarming,” stating that schools have been closed, businesses are paralyzed, and residents are fleeing in fear of the escalating conflict between Jubbaland and Somalia’s federal forces.
According to Roba, both sides are amassing troops and weapons, creating a palpable atmosphere of fear and panic.
In a strong statement, Roba condemned the presence of foreign forces on Kenyan soil, calling it a “humiliation of our sovereignty.”
He drew a parallel between this situation and a hypothetical war between a Kenyan county and its federal government, emphasizing the absurdity of Kenya hosting one of the warring parties.
Senator Roba urged the Kenyan government to act immediately, highlighting that the nation’s strategic interests lie with the Federal Government of Somalia, not with a “rogue state government” like Jubbaland.
He warned that allowing these forces to operate within Mandera is “shameful, reckless, and a betrayal” of the local population, putting their lives and property at mortal risk.
The Senator asserted that the Kenyan government would be held responsible for any loss of life, injuries, or property damage resulting from the conflict.
He also delivered a stern warning, stating that if the government fails to remove the Jubbaland forces, local leaders would be forced to “mobilize ourselves to defend our people.”
He stressed that such an outcome would not only endanger peace but also cause international embarrassment for Kenya.
“Our people come first, always. Kenya must act NOW,” Senator Roba concluded, calling for immediate and decisive action to de-escalate the volatile situation.
