MANDERA, Kenya – The presence of Jubaland forces in Mandera town has drawn criticism from area senator Ali Roba.
In a statement shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter), Senator Roba claimed that Jubaland forces had occupied Mandera town.
“Schools have been shut down, businesses paralysed, and families displaced in fear of stray bullets, RPGs and unexploded ordnance,” the senator wrote.
Senator Roba painted a picture where an atmosphere of fear has engulfed the entire town, adding that Jubaland and Somalia’s federal forces are building up weapons and troops, preparing for war.
“Shockingly, Jubaland forces are consolidating their strength inside Mandera town on Kenyan soil, literally taking over our community. This is a humiliation of our sovereignty,” said Senator Roba.
Senator Roba, the first governor of Mandera, likened the situation to a looming war between his county and the Republic of Kenya.
“The absurdity of a regional state government fighting its federal government is akin to Mandera County Government declaring war against the Republic of Kenya, yet we are now hosting these foreign forces in our own town,” he stated.
Why Kenya needs to be on good terms with Somalia
According to the senator, Kenya’s national interest lies in its strategic relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia.
“Not in protecting a rogue state government. Allowing Jubaland troops to operate in Mandera, putting Kenyan lives and property at mortal risk, is shameful, reckless, and a betrayal of our people,” said the senator, adding that foreign conflicts must be fought on foreign soil, not on the streets of Mandera.
How Senator Ali Roba warned the Government of Kenya
Senator Roba reiterated that the Government of Kenya will bear full responsibility for any deaths, injuries, or destruction of property in Mandera.
“As leaders, our loyalty and constitutional duty are first and foremost to our people. Our support for the Kenya Kwanza Government cannot be mistaken for a license to gamble with the lives of our population,” added the lawmaker.
He warned that should the government fail to act immediately and decisively to remove Jubaland forces from Mandera County, as regional leaders, they will be forced to mobilise themselves to defend their people.
“An outcome that will endanger peace and cause grave international embarrassment for Kenya. We make it plain: our people come first, always. Kenya must act now,” Senator Roba cautioned.
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