Residents in Kenya’s Mandera Call for Jubaland Forces’ Removal After Deadly Attack

MANDERA, Kenya — Anger is mounting in Kenya’s northeastern Mandera County after a deadly ambush left at least six people dead and several others injured, prompting residents and local leaders to demand the removal of Jubaland forces they say are operating in the area.

The calls for action followed Saturday’s attack on a passenger vehicle traveling between Mandera town and the Arabia area. Near Beer-Ayawon village, armed attackers opened fire on the civilians inside, turning the journey into a scene of bloodshed.

Kenyan media reported that some local officials accused personnel linked to Somalia’s Jubaland regional administration of being present in Kenyan territory without authorization and said their presence was worsening security conditions along the border.

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also backed the demand for their removal, arguing that the forces undermine Kenya’s sovereignty and pose a threat to national security.

“I strongly condemn this heinous act and demand the immediate removal of all illegal foreign forces operating in the area,” Gachagua was quoted as saying by local media.

Lafey Member of Parliament Mohamed Abdiqadir likewise denounced the attack and pressed Kenyan authorities to tighten security to avert a repeat of the violence.

Neither the Kenyan government nor the Jubaland administration has publicly addressed the allegations that Jubaland forces are operating inside Kenya or the claims tying them to insecurity in the region.

The violence comes against a backdrop of strained political and security relations between Somalia’s federal government and the Jubaland administration, tensions that have sharpened since disputed elections in Kismayo late last year.

AXADLETM