Aasai

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says residents of Mandera are safe from the imminent conflict involving Somali Federal troops, Al Shabaab, and Jubaland forces. Speaking in Kakamega during the US Security Forum’s security engagement with the local administration, CS Murkomen took on opposition leaders by highlighting the security situation in Mandera, which he says is a national security issue involving a difficult geographical route aimed at reclaiming the country from Al Shabaab militants. 

“They are looking into security issues. Well, we have been unfortunate to have such people sitting in the National Security Council. Someone who has ever sat in the National Security Committee knows that you cannot go out and say because of the threat, speaking on Thursday during the funeral service of teacher Neema Wanjira Mwinga in Mathioya constituency, Muranga County, Gachagua criticised CS Murkomen for dismissing the reports, saying the government must take action to ensure the safety of Mandera residents.

 He noted that leaders have spoken out on the issue since he first raised the concern. "I said there is a problem in Mandera with Umitalama and terrorism. They shouted at me and said I will not return. Now, what I said, everyone is saying the same thing. Army from Mavand Gachagua noted. "Those Mandera leaders were not talking until I stopped them.

 Why is the security minister saying he must conduct an investigation. What investigation and people have been Furthermore, he questioned why CS Murkomen ignored the reports, despite the Mandera Governor himself acknowledging the presence of Jubaland forces in the county. He also alleged that these forces have reignited terror in the county by killing five people and injuring seven others, adding that a school has been closed as a result.

 CS Murkomen had recently stated that the government has launched an investigation into the matter and would deal with any criminal matters according to the law. Various leaders have criticised the government for remaining silent while claiming that the Jubaland forces are drug dealers in Mandera. “Mandera cannot be turned into a battlefield for Somalia. We are not interested in Somalia. "We have no business interfering in their internal affairs," Mandera Governor Adan Khalif said.

He questioned why the government ignored the reports while residents suffered. Mandera Governor Adan Khalif also spoke, saying that Mandera should never be turned into a battleground for the Somali conflict. "We have no interest in Somalias internal affairs. Mandera must be safe for its people," he said. Murkomen maintained that the government had already initiated investigations and would deal with any perpetrators according to the law. He stressed that Mandera was safe from Jubaland and that security agencies remained vigilant to protect Kenyans.