Mandera Residents Protest Presence of Jubaland Forces on Kenyan Soil

Government faces pressure as border tensions escalate

The Latest

Mandera, Kenya – September 2025. Hundreds of residents in Mandera town have staged protests against the alleged presence of Somalia’s Jubaland forces inside Kenyan territory, demanding immediate withdrawal of what they term an unauthorized military incursion.

The demonstrations, centered around Border Point One near the Kenya-Somalia frontier, come amid reports that villages near the border have been deserted after families fled, fearing clashes between the foreign troops and local security units.

What Happened

• Protest details: Witnesses reported placard-waving demonstrators chanting slogans demanding protection of Kenya’s borders and accusing Nairobi of inaction.

• Humanitarian impact: Community leaders said women, children, and elderly residents were among those displaced, with some seeking shelter away from the border villages.

Political Reactions

• Kalonzo Musyoka’s criticism: The Wiper Party leader condemned the Ruto administration’s silence, calling it “unacceptable for foreign soldiers to operate on Kenyan soil without accountability.”

• Local leadership: Mandera elders urged calm but pressed the government for firm guarantees on sovereignty and security in border areas.

Government on the Spot

The protests add to mounting pressure on President William Ruto’s administration to clarify:

• How the Jubaland forces allegedly crossed into Kenya

• Under what legal or security arrangements they might have been allowed entry, if at all

• What steps will be taken to restore public confidence in border security

So far, the Kenyan government has not issued a detailed statement addressing the claims, though security officials have acknowledged tensions at the Mandera-Somalia border in recent weeks.

Broader Context

• Cross-border complexities: The Mandera border has long been volatile, with Al-Shabaab activity, clan conflicts, and Kenya-Somalia security operations complicating local dynamics.

• Diplomatic sensitivities: Kenya and Somalia have had strained relations over maritime borders, security cooperation, and the Jubaland administration’s role in regional politics.

What’s Next

• Parliamentary pressure: MPs from the North Eastern region are expected to raise the issue when Parliament resumes next week.

• Security assurances: Residents want a visible government response, including clarification from the Interior Ministry and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

• Risk of escalation: Without intervention, analysts warn of increasing community resentment and potential cross-border clashes.

Timeline

• Early September 2025: Reports emerge of Jubaland forces spotted inside Mandera County.

• September 5, 2025: Residents protest in Mandera town, demanding action from Nairobi.

• September 6, 2025: Political leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, call for urgent government response.

Related Coverage

• “Kenya-Somalia Border Tensions: A History of Mandera’s Security Challenges”

• “Explainer: Who Controls Somalia’s Jubaland Forces?”