Ndegwa Njiru: Ruto plans to use Jubaland forces to delay 2027 elections
By Aloys Michael, September 4, 2025Human rights lawyer and advocate Ndegwa Njiru has warned Kenyans, accusing President William Ruto of plotting to use the continued military occupation in Mandera by Jubaland forces as a strategy to delay the 2027 General Elections.
In an X post on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Njiru called on citizens to remain vigilant and united against what he termed a dangerous scheme to subvert democracy and extend the Head of State’s stay in power beyond the constitutional term.
“The deceitful and fearful Kasongo is once again playing a perilous game with our nation’s sovereignty. The continued foreign military presence in Mandera is not a matter to be taken lightly; it is an occupation that threatens our independence and the very fabric of our democracy,” he wrote.
Njiru claimed that Ruto is intentionally prolonging the presence of foreign troops in Kenya’s northeastern region to manufacture a national crisis and exploit constitutional loopholes that allow for the extension of Parliament’s term in times of war.
He argued that, according to Article 102 of the Kenyan Constitution, while the term of Parliament normally expires on the date of the general polls, it can be extended by up to 12 months if the country is at war.
“His plan is clear: to prolong the foreign troops’ occupation, creating a pretext to manipulate Parliament into declaring a state of war between Kenya and Jubbaland by 2027,” Njiru warned.
“Kasongo is desperate to avoid the upcoming General Elections, fearing the will of the Kenyan people who are ready to reward him with a resounding WANTAM.”
The lawyer urged civil society, opposition leaders, and all democratic institutions to closely monitor the government’s handling of the Jubbaland situation, cautioning that history could repeat itself if citizens allow political manipulation to override constitutional order.
“This is not just about Mandera. This is about the future of our democracy,” Njiru emphasised.
No Jubaland forces?
Meanwhile, 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.
“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.
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.