Kenya Denies Jubaland Troop Incursion into Mandera County

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-04 17:30 EAT. The Kenyan government has dismissed claims that Jubaland forces crossed into Mandera, attributing cross-border movements to civilians escaping conflict in Somalia’s Gedo region.

The Latest

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday said “no credible evidence exists” of Jubaland troops in Mandera County. He added that Kenya’s policy forbids any foreign armed presence on its soil. Local leaders, however, reported schools and businesses shutting amid fear of armed fighters. The matter is under investigation, with findings expected in coming days.

Context in Brief

Mandera leaders raised alarm after residents alleged foreign troops had occupied parts of the county. In 2021, similar tensions arose when Jubaland fighters crossed near Bula Hawo during Somali internal conflicts, highlighting long-standing security risks along the porous border.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitution/Acts: Article 238 of Kenya’s Constitution assigns national security duties to the state, prohibiting unauthorized foreign forces on Kenyan soil.

• Mandates: The Interior Ministry and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) coordinate border security under the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC).

• Required steps: Parliamentary security committees can summon officials for briefings; the Foreign Affairs Ministry liaises with Somalia on cross-border incidents.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Government: “The people in Mandera are not here by any invitation of the government,” said Kipchumba Murkomen, Interior CS, Nairobi, 2025-09-04.

• Opposition/Experts: “Any unauthorized foreign military presence undermines Kenya’s sovereignty,” said David Maraga, Former Chief Justice, 2025-09-03.

• Local leaders: “Families displaced in fear… schools closed. This is unacceptable,” said Ali Roba, Mandera Senator, 2025-09-03.

Evidence & Data

• Numbers: Unknown count of civilians crossing; no confirmed troop figures.

• Documents: County reports; Interior Ministry preliminary statements.

• Verification: Statements from Interior CS, local leaders, and historical incident logs from 2021.

Risks and Implications

• Security: Potential escalation if armed groups cross borders undetected.

• Governance/Economy: Disruption of education, trade, and county security budgets.

• Regional: Strained Kenya–Somalia relations if allegations persist without resolution.

What We Don’t Know

• How many civilians or combatants crossed the border?

• Did any foreign armed unit occupy Kenyan facilities?

• What joint measures are Kenya and Somalia taking to prevent future incidents?

Timeline

• 2021-01-25: Jubaland fighters clash near Bula Hawo, Somalia.

• 2025-09-03: Mandera leaders allege Jubaland troops entered Kenya.

• 2025-09-04 17:30 EAT: Government denies claims, launches probe.

What to Watch

• Parliamentary security briefings expected next week.

• Interior Ministry–Somalia joint investigation updates by mid-September.

• County security reports on civilian displacement.