Senator Ali Roba: Jubaland, Somalia forces building up arms inside Mandera
Mandera County Senator Ali Roba, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, condemned that Jubaland troops have taken control of sections of Mandera town, paralysing life and exposing residents to grave insecurity.
Through a statement on his X handle, Roba said the presence of Jubaland forces on Kenyan soil was both humiliating and a direct violation of the country’s sovereignty.
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“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.
A threat to sovereignty
The Senator likened the situation to a county government in Kenya declaring war against the national government, stressing that the Kenyan state must not tolerate the intrusion.
“Shockingly, Jubaland forces are consolidating their strength inside Mandera town on Kenyan soil, literally taking over our community.
“This is a humiliation of our sovereignty. The absurdity of a regional state government fighting its federal government is akin to Mandera County Government declaring war against the Republic of Kenya. Yet, we are now hosting these foreign forces in our own town,” Roba stated.
He argued that Kenya’s long-term national interest lies in fostering ties with Somalia’s federal government rather than propping up regional factions whose presence now endangers Kenyan lives.
Call for urgent action
Roba held the Kenyan government responsible for the safety of Mandera residents, insisting that the state must urgently expel the foreign forces.
“Allowing Jubaland troops to operate in Mandera, putting Kenyan lives and property at mortal risk, is shameful, reckless, and a betrayal of our people.
Foreign conflicts must be fought on foreign soil, not on the streets of Mandera,” he said.
The Senator further cautioned that if the state fails to act decisively, leaders and locals will be forced to organise for their own defence.
This move could heighten instability and embarrass Kenya internationally.
“We make it plain: our people come first, always. Kenya must act NOW,” Roba emphasised.
