Aasai

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has urged President William Ruto to ensure the immediate withdrawal of Jubaland troops from Kenya. In a statement on Wednesday, he noted that there have been recent reports alleging the entry and operation of armed Jubaland troops in Mandera County, which raised serious constitutional, legal and security concerns.

 "This is enshrined in Article 238 of the Constitution, which clearly states that the primary purpose of national security is to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kenya and to protect its people," Maraga said. He urged Parliament to demand a full explanation from the President on how the troops were allowed to enter the country, and under what legal framework. 

The former Chief Justice said the act was a gross abuse of state power and set a dangerous precedent that could embolden foreign actors to interfere in the countrys internal affairs and undermine public confidence. "No part of our Republic is inferior to Kenya, and no community should feel neglected or exposed because of the unconstitutional decisions taken by this indifferent government," the former Chief Justice affirmed.

 Leaders and former government officials have also expressed their concerns on the issue, urging President Ruto to take swift action. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua questioned the presence of the militants, urging Ruto to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to Mandera to expel the soldiers allegedly operating in the town. "It cannot be that forces from Somalia can come to Kenya and occupy our land and terrorize our people. Yet the government is silent and the leaders of Mandera are silent," Gachagua said. 

Similarly, Mandera Governor Adan Khalif alleged that the forces are paralyzing activities in the county, thereby jeopardizing the security of the residents. "Mandera cannot be turned into a battlefield for Somalia. We have no interest in Somalia, we have no business getting involved in their internal affairs," Khalif said. DAP-K leader and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has also called on the government to publicly address the issue to protect Kenyans living along the border.

 "We cannot allow foreign forces with heavy weapons to come and start operating within our area. The people of Mandera today are living in fear, some cannot access their farms or send their children to school. There are those who are migrating," said Wamalwa.

Mandera residents have also protested the presence of the soldiers, claiming that it disrupts life in the area and prevents children from going to school due to fear of abduction and forced labor. They have also criticized the government for remaining silent despite calls for intervention.