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Post Reply: President Ruto and Defence CS Tuya Face Criticism Over Silence on Jubaland Forces in Mandera

<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on September 2, 2025, 6:01 am</div><div id="pl-7809"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-7809-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-7809-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-7809-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<p dir="auto">resident William Ruto and Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya are facing growing criticism for their silence regarding the reported presence of Jubaland forces in Mandera County, which local leaders and residents claim has led to significant disruptions and security concerns. The issue has sparked widespread concern among political leaders and residents, who accuse the national government of failing to address a serious violation of Kenya's sovereignty.</p>
<p dir="auto">Mandera County Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has been vocal in his demands for the immediate withdrawal of Jubaland forces, alleging that they have set up a military camp at BP1 Primary School in Mandera town, forcing its closure and disrupting education for students preparing for national exams. During a recent public event, Khalif stated that the presence of these foreign forces threatens the stability and safety of the region, emphasizing that Mandera should not become a battleground for Somalia's conflicts. He has called on President Ruto, as Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), to order an immediate operation to remove the Jubaland troops, warning that local residents may take action if the government fails to act.</p>
<p dir="auto">Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also criticized the government's inaction, claiming that Jubaland forces have occupied significant parts of Mandera town, resulting in five deaths, several injuries, and the displacement of many residents, including schoolchildren. Speaking at a church service in Kajiado, Gachagua accused Mandera's local leaders, including the governor, senator, and MPs, of remaining silent during a recent government empowerment program in the county, only raising the issue publicly after his own statements. He urged Ruto to deploy the KDF to expel the foreign forces, stressing that Kenya's territorial integrity must be protected.</p>
<p dir="auto">The presence of Jubaland forces, part of the Jubaland Darawiish, the state security arm of Somalia's Jubaland administration based in Kismayo, has been a point of contention. Governor Khalif has accused the KDF of supporting these forces, a claim that has fueled further criticism of Defence CS Soipan Tuya. Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa described Tuya's silence as "deafening," questioning whether the operations have the approval of President Ruto. Wamalwa emphasized the need for Tuya to address the public and protect Kenyans living along the border, calling the situation a violation of Kenya's sovereignty.</p>
<p dir="auto">Former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando has gone further, alleging that the incursion is part of a calculated scheme by President Ruto to create instability and potentially disrupt the 2027 elections. In a statement on X, Kabando claimed that the presence of Jubaland forces is a deliberate move to extend Ruto's hold on power, a claim that has added a political dimension to the crisis. Mandera Woman Representative Umulkheir Kassim echoed these concerns, condemning the use of a school as a militia training ground and emphasizing that Kenya's sovereignty must not be compromised.</p>
<p dir="auto">The situation has been exacerbated by reports of stray bullets, rockets, and live ordnance crossing into Kenyan territory from ongoing clashes between Somalia's National Army and Jubaland forces in the border town of Bula-Hawa. These incidents have heightened fears among Mandera residents, with Governor Khalif noting that the county has no interest in Somalia's internal conflicts and should not suffer due to Kenya's support for Jubaland. He also criticized Ethiopia for allegedly using Mandera as a staging ground in its relations with Somalia, further complicating the regional dynamics.</p>
<p dir="auto">Residents of Mandera have staged protests demanding the immediate withdrawal of Jubaland forces, citing growing insecurity. However, Jubaland Vice President Mohamed Sayid has denied these claims, insisting that their forces are confined to the border area. Despite this, local leaders and residents remain adamant that the foreign presence is a direct threat to their safety and Kenya's sovereignty.</p>
<p dir="auto">The controversy has also drawn criticism from former Trade CS Moses Kuria, who described the government's silence as "appalling" and compared the situation to the historical Shifta War, highlighting the severity of the violation of Kenya's territorial integrity. Kuria expressed solidarity with the people of Mandera, calling for urgent action to address the crisis.</p>
<p dir="auto">Governor Khalif has expressed frustration with the Ministry of Defence, stating that he cannot recall the name of the Defence CS, implying that Tuya's lack of action has left residents unprotected. He has also called for the KDF to withdraw from supporting Jubaland forces and for immediate intervention by the national government. Khalif emphasized that peace and security are essential for the region's development, including projects like the new dialysis centre and specialist clinics at Mandera County Teaching and Referral Hospital.</p>
<p dir="auto">The situation remains tense in the Mandera triangle, where the borders of Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia meet. The presence of Jubaland forces, combined with the government's perceived inaction, has sparked a broader debate about Kenya's security policies and regional relations, with leaders like Gachagua and Khalif vowing to continue advocating for the people of Mandera and North Eastern Kenya.</p>
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