Kenyan Leaders Push Ruto to Act on Jubaland Forces in Mandera

Kenya’s northeastern region is once again in the spotlight after reports surfaced that Somalia’s Jubaland forces have crossed into Mandera County. The alleged presence of foreign troops has sparked outrage among local leaders, opposition politicians, and security experts, all demanding swift action from President William Ruto.

Schools Turned Into Military Bases

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif raised the alarm earlier this week, accusing Jubaland fighters of occupying BP1 Primary School and turning it into a military camp. This forced students out of classrooms, leaving education in limbo.

“Mandera cannot be turned into a battleground for Somalia,” the governor warned. He demanded that the troops leave immediately, emphasizing that Kenyan children must not pay the price for Somalia’s conflicts.

Parents in Mandera have echoed these concerns, saying the situation has left them fearful. Some families claim civilians have already been killed or injured, while many others have been displaced.

Strong Political Reactions

National leaders have quickly joined the debate, warning that the sovereignty of Kenya is at stake.

Rigathi Gachagua, former Deputy President, called the presence of Jubaland militia “unacceptable” and urged Ruto to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to secure Mandera.

Umulkheir Kassim, Mandera Woman Representative, and Ali Roba, the county’s Senator, also issued strong statements condemning the situation.

Perhaps the sharpest rebuke came from David Maraga, former Chief Justice and now a presidential candidate. He framed the issue as a constitutional crisis, declaring:

“As a sovereign state, Kenya’s borders are inviolable. The protection of our territorial integrity is a fundamental duty imposed on the President and all state organs by our Constitution. I therefore call upon President Ruto to ensure the prompt withdrawal of Jubaland forces from Kenya.”

Jubaland Denies Crossing Into Kenya

Despite these claims, Jubaland officials have rejected the accusations. Vice President Mohamed Sayid told the BBC Somali Service that their troops remain inside Somalia and have not entered Kenya.

Still, residents in Mandera insist the situation is real. They report growing insecurity, with families forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter in public schools and community centers.

Why Mandera Is Always at Risk

Mandera’s location makes it uniquely vulnerable. Sitting at the crossroads of Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, it has long suffered from insecurity spilling over borders. The region is also a target of frequent al-Shabaab attacks, which have devastated local communities for years.

Now, with reports of Jubaland’s presence, residents fear being dragged into Somalia’s internal power struggles, particularly as clashes between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Jubaland forces intensify near the border town of Bula Hawa. These clashes have already displaced hundreds of Somali families, many of whom have fled into Mandera.

What Next for President Ruto?

The Ruto administration is facing growing pressure to clarify its position. If Jubaland forces are truly in Mandera, critics argue that silence is not an option. Kenyans expect decisive action to defend the nation’s sovereignty and protect civilians in border counties.

However, any military escalation could also risk worsening Kenya–Somalia relations, a balance that requires delicate diplomacy.

For now, the people of Mandera have one urgent plea: peace and protection. They want assurance that their homes will not become battlegrounds and that Kenya will uphold its constitutional duty to safeguard its borders.