Kenya: Is 60% of Mandera under Al-Shabaab control?

Mandera town. Gunfire rent the air on Monday morning. PHOTO | MANASE OTSIALO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

MANDERA, Kenya - Questions have been asked over the recent statement by Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif over alleged control of Al-Shabaab in the country, raising doubts over Kenya's ability to fight violent extremism, which has sadly led to loss of lives and property in the country.

At a security meeting, Governor Khalif was quoted claiming Al-Shabaab had taken over 60% of land mass in Mandera County, a significant portion which could affect the country's war against terrorism. According to the governor, the presence of Al-Shabaab had made it difficult to deliver services to the people.

“Mandera County, for example, 60 per cent is controlled by Al-Shabaab. We cannot offer services and are only confined at the County Headquarters,” he said.

Over the last two months, Mandera has been a major target for the Al-Shabaab who have also been pressing hard to take over neighboring counties of Wajir, Garissa and Lamu. The militants intensified the attacks, forcing Kenya to drop plans to reopen Kenya-Somalia border.

But in a another statement, Khalif now claims he was quoted out of context, arguing that "during the conference, I explicitly stated that "Al-Shabaab presence and sightings are more than 60%." "Regrettably, the media misquoted me, falsely claiming that I said "Al-Shabaab controls 60% of Mandera county." This misrepresentation is entirely false and misleading."

"I want to emphasize that I did NOT make any reference to Al-Shabaab's control over any specific percentage of Mandera County. My statement merely focused on the presence and activities of the group in the region," added Khalif, who is also a former speaker of the county assembly of Mandera.

He urged the media to rectify "this error" and provide an accurate account of "my original statement" to foster a better understanding of the situation. "Let's work together to ensure that the public receives reliable information," said the governor.

Kenya is building more Forward Operating Bases along the border which will house the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] who are responsible for external operations and defense of the country. The KDF is also expected to withdraw from Somalia in compliance with Somali Transition Plan [STP].

GAROWE ONLINE