CS Murkomen says Mandera is safe, maintains Jubaland troops not in Kenya

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says residents of Mandera are safe from the neighbouring conflict involving Somalia federal troops, Al Shabaab, and Jubaland forces.

Speaking in Kakamega during the Jukwaa la Usalama security engagement with the local administration, CS Murkomen castigated opposition leaders for politicizing the Mandera security situation, which he says is a national security matter involving a complex geopolitical approach aimed at securing the country from Al Shabaab militia.

“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.”

Murkomen's remarks come as a rebuttal to a section of leaders drawn from the opposition who have been asking the government to address the allegations of Jubaland Forces in Mandera.

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and former Chief Justice David Maraga have condemned politicians over what they termed as 'deafening silence' on the matter.

Speaking on Thursday during the burial service of teacher Grace Wanjira Mwinga in Mathioya Constituency, Murang'a County, Gachagua criticised CS Murkomen for dismissing the reports, citing that the government must take action to secure the safety of Mandera residents. 

He noted that leaders have spoken out on the matter since he first raised concerns.

"Nilisema iko shida ya Mandera ya usalama na mambo ya ugaidi. Wakanipigia kelele na wakasema nishikwe nikirudi. Sasa yale nilisema, kila mtu anasema namna hiyo. Jeshi kutoka Jubaland wamevamia Kenya na wako pale Mandera," Gachagua noted.

"Hao viongozi wa Mandera hawakuwa wanaongea hadi nikaongea. Sai waziri wa usalama anasema lazima afanye uchunguzi. Uchunguzi gani na hawa watu wamekuwa hapo miezi mbili? Ata waziri wa usalama hana habari hawa watu wako Kenya."

Further, he questioned why CS Murkomen disregarded the reports, despite the Mandera Governor himself acknowledging the presence of Jubaland forces in the county. 

He also claimed that these forces have reigned terror in the county by killing five people and injuring seven others, adding that a school has since been closed as a result.

CS Murkomen had recently noted that the government has launched investigations into the matter and would deal with any criminal elements according to the law. 

Various leaders have criticised the government for remaining silent while claiming that the Jubaland forces are crippling services in Mandera. 

“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.