Nominated member of parliament Sulekha Hulbale has urged the government to act swiftly to protect civilians in Mandera County.

She has warned that escalating violence from across the Somali border is putting lives and livelihoods at risk.

Hulbale told the National Assembly that residents of Mandera town had been “subjected to a series of alarming incidents involving stray bullets and live ordnance” as fighting intensifies between Somalia’s federal government and the Jubaland administration in the border town of Bula Hawa.

“Lives are being endangered, property destroyed and innocent civilians forced to live in fear,” she said.

“The presence of foreign armed groups and ongoing military activity near our borders is unacceptable.”

Hulbale said families have fled their homes, businesses have been shuttered and children are unable to attend school because of the violence.

Some local residents have reportedly moved to safer areas within Mandera town to escape the persistent threat of cross-border clashes.

She also raised alarm over reports that Jubaland forces had crossed into Kenyan territory during bouts of heavy fighting, describing the incursion as “a direct violation of Kenya’s sovereignty” and a serious national security threat.

The legislator pressed the foreign affairs ministry to explain what measures it is taking to protect border communities, whether diplomatic protests had been lodged with Somalia and Jubaland, as well as whether a long-term strategy exists to prevent further incursions.

The MP said cross-border peace initiatives and stronger cooperation between Nairobi and Mogadishu were urgently needed.

“Communities are demanding action, including the removal of any foreign fighters whose presence contributes to this insecurity,” she added.