Murkomen firmly rejects claims of Jubaland forces operating inside Kenya
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, dismissed claims that Jubaland forces had shifted their operations into Mandera County.
Speaking to the media, the CS said that for now, the government has not received any verified intelligence pointing to a cross-border security threat.
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He, however, assured Kenyans that investigations are ongoing.
Murkomen explained that Mandera, like other border counties, has historically received people fleeing instability from neighbouring countries. In such cases, he said, ordinary citizens can sometimes mistake the movement of civilians for organised forces.
“When there are challenges, there are citizens who feel endangered in their countries and run to Kenya.
“But for now, we cannot confirm whether they were forces of where or who they are.
“It is only through proper security analysis and investigations that you can determine whether they are forces or civilians,” Murkomen said.
Elsewhere, a group of Kiambu legislators urged calm amid concerns in Mandera over the presence of Jubaland forces.
Concerns under investigation
The CS added that security matters must be handled with patience and care. He noted that the government would not rush to conclusions without evidence, stressing that the safety of Kenyans remains the top priority.
“It is also important to note that such security issues are handled as security issues. If we reach a stage where there is any challenge, we will inform the country; however, at the moment, we don’t have any,” he remarked.
Murkomen’s response comes hours after Mandera Senator Ali Roba raised alarm over what he described as Jubaland troops consolidating power inside Mandera town.
Roba warned that families had fled, schools had closed, and businesses had ground to a halt due to fear of conflict.
“Jubaland forces are now inside Mandera town. Schools have been shut down, businesses paralysed, and families displaced in fear of stray bullets, RPGs, and unexploded ordnance.
“An atmosphere of fear has engulfed the entire town as both Jubaland and Somalia’s federal forces build up weapons and troops, preparing for war,” Roba warned.
But in a more reassuring tone, Murkomen insisted that no concrete evidence has yet been established.
Murkomen’s assurance to Mandera locals
He encouraged residents to remain calm and continue sharing timely information with security officers on the ground.
For many Kenyans, especially those living in the North Eastern region, these statements carry heavy weight.
Mandera sits at the heart of a fragile border, and locals live with the daily reality of cross-border insecurity.
The government’s assurance that investigations are ongoing provides some comfort, though residents will be watching closely to see how events unfold in the coming days.
