MP raises concerns over increased insecurity along Kenya-Somalia border

Nancy Marende 19th August, 2025 02:53 PM

Nominated Member of Parliament Sulekha Harun speaking on August 19, 2025. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=parliament%20of%20kenya

Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Sulekha Harun has revealed alarming reports that members of Jubaland forces have allegedly crossed into Kenyan territory during moments of intense fighting in Manera County.

Speaking when she appeared before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, she said such incursions constitute a direct violation of Kenya’s sovereignty and threaten national security.

“The presence of foreign armed groups and ongoing military activity near our borders is unacceptable. Communities are demanding action, including the removal of any foreign fighters whose presence contributes to this insecurity,” she stated.

Further, she has sounded the alarm over escalating insecurity in Mandera County, warning that armed conflict spilling over from neighbouring Somalia poses a grave threat to Kenya’s sovereignty and civilian safety.

She called on the Chairperson of the Committee to address the worsening situation near Border Point One in Mandera town, saying the unrest stems from ongoing violent clashes between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubaland Administration in Bula Hawa.

“Residents of Mandera town have been subjected to a series of alarming incidents involving stray bullets and live ordnance,” she said.

“These projectiles, originating from the hostilities in Somalia, are endangering lives, destroying property, and instilling fear among innocent civilians, particularly those living near the border.”

She reported that the insecurity has disrupted daily life, forcing families to flee their homes, shutting down businesses prematurely, and keeping children indoors for fear of injury or worse.

National Assembly’s statement on August 19, 2025. PHOTO/ A screengrab by K24 Digital from https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=parliament%20of%20kenya

Additionally, she revealed that in some cases, residents had sought refuge with relatives in safer parts of Mandera town due to the persistent threat of cross-border violence.

Similarly, she revealed disturbing reports that, during moments of intense fighting, some members of the Jubaland forces have allegedly crossed into Kenyan territory.

This, she emphasised, is a direct violation of Kenya’s sovereignty and poses a severe national security threat.

Demands

In her request to the Committee, Harun sought answers on three critical fronts, including the steps that are being taken by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to safeguard the lives and property of Mandera residents from the conflict spillover.

Further, she enquired if the Ministry has lodged any formal diplomatic complaints with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubaland Administration over these cross-border violations, and whether long-term security strategies are in place to protect Mandera and other border areas from future incursions.

The MP also stressed the need for enhanced cross-border peace initiatives and stronger security collaboration between Kenya and Somalia to protect innocent civilians who are caught in the crossfire of a conflict not of their making.