Kenya Denies Presence of Jubaland Troops in Mandera, Labels Claims as 'Baseless Rumors'

NAIROBI, Kenya - Days after claims and counterclaims of possible presence of Jubaland troops in Mandera, the government of the East African nation has denied the allegations, maintaining that the allegations are 'baseless rumours'.

Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya's minister of interior, said Mandera residents are safe from the neighbouring conflict involving Somalia federal troops, Al Shabaab, and Jubaland forces.

He accuses opposition leaders of politicising the situation in Mandera, noting that the matter remains complex given the security challenges within the region, including the ongoing war against al-Shabaab militants.

“They are going out there to speak carelessly about matters of security. What kind of politics are they looking for in issues of security? Truly, we have been unfortunate to have such people ever sit in the National Security Council. Someone who has ever sat in the National Security Committee knows you cannot go outside and speak carelessly, telling lies about your country,” said Murkomen.

"I want to speak clearly: Kenya is not under any threat from Somalia or any regional force from Somalia; the only threat we face is the threat of the Al Shabaab militia.”

A section of Mandera leaders has criticised the government for what they term as a severe security deterioration in the county, allegedly due to the presence of Jubaland troops. Murkomen has asked leaders to desist from making reckless statements.

Various leaders, including the senator and governor of Mandera, have criticised the government for remaining silent while claiming that the Jubaland forces are crippling services within the border county.

“Mandera cannot be turned into a battleground for Somalia. We have no interest in Somalia, we have no business to be involved in their internal affairs,” Mandera Governor Adan Khalif noted.

GAROWE ONLINE