Residents in Kenya’s Mandera Call for Removal of Jubaland Forces After Deadly Attack

MANDERA, Kenya — Residents and local politicians in Kenya’s northeastern Mandera County have called on the Kenyan government to remove Jubaland forces operating in the area following a deadly attack that killed at least six people and wounded several others.

The demands came after gunmen ambushed a passenger vehicle traveling between Mandera town and the Arabia area on Saturday. The attack occurred near Beer-Ayawon village, where armed assailants opened fire on civilians aboard the vehicle.

Kenyan media reported that some local leaders accused forces linked to Somalia’s Jubaland regional administration of operating illegally inside Kenyan territory and posing a threat to regional security.

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also called for the removal of Jubaland forces from Kenya, saying their presence undermines the country’s sovereignty and security.

“I strongly condemn this heinous act and demand the immediate removal of all illegal foreign forces operating in the area,” Gachagua was quoted as saying by local media.

Lafey Member of Parliament Mohamed Abdiqadir condemned the attack and urged Kenyan authorities to strengthen security measures to prevent similar incidents.

Neither the Kenyan government nor the Jubaland administration has publicly responded to the allegations regarding the presence of Jubaland forces inside Kenya or claims linking them to insecurity in the region.

The attack comes amid ongoing political and security tensions between Somalia’s federal government and the Jubaland administration, particularly following disputed elections held in Kismayo late last year.

GAROWE ONLINE