The arrival of Jubaland forces in Mandera County has stirred unease, with community members and leaders cautioning that the presence of foreign troops threatens Kenya’s sovereignty, destabilises daily life, and heightens insecurity.
At the heart of the storm is a controversial base, known as BP1, which locals say has worsened the fragile security situation and led to school closures just weeks before national examinations.
In a move that has provoked outrage, a public school is said to have been turned into a training ground for the soldiers, further aggravating frustrations in a county already struggling with insecurity.
Residents argue that Mandera should not be dragged into Somalia’s internal conflicts or forced to shoulder Kenya’s political alliances. They accuse the troops of seizing public land, restricting access to water, and crippling local businesses.
“You cannot lock residents’ land, close schools and cut off water supply in the name of supporting a faction in Somalia. We don’t have any interest in Somalia, and our people should not suffer for it,” a local leader stated at a public event.
Frustrations have also spread to Ethiopia, with allegations that Ethiopian nationals are using Mandera Town as a springboard for operations related to Somalia. Leaders have demanded alternative routes be found, warning that continued reliance on Mandera further complicates the tense security environment.
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Earlier in the month, protests erupted across the town, with demonstrators demanding the withdrawal of Jubaland forces from Kenyan soil. Many carried placards denouncing the presence of foreign soldiers, warning that it was undermining trust in local security institutions and exposing civilians to unnecessary risks.
Jubaland Vice President Mohamed Sayid has rejected the accusations, insisting that his forces are stationed within Somali territory and not operating in Kenya.
Still, the standoff has left residents of Mandera on edge.
Many fear that prolonged foreign military presence could deepen insecurity, stall learning, and worsen cross-border relations between communities.
By Joseph Mambili
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