Closer scrutiny needed on alleged invasion of Jubaland forces- Analysts
Security experts have warned that Kenya cannot afford complacency, stressing the need for a thorough investigation into claims of foreign forces being present on Kenyan soil.
Fresh concerns have emerged over reports that Somalia’s Jubaland forces may have crossed into Mandera County, raising questions about Kenya’s border security and the government’s preparedness to counter external threats.
Security experts have warned that Kenya cannot afford complacency, stressing the need for a thorough investigation into claims of foreign forces being present on Kenyan soil.
Security expert Byron Adera, speaking in an interview on Radio Generation on Monday, said scrutiny was necessary to establish the truth amid conflicting accounts from Nairobi and local leaders in Mandera.
“There are two truths here. The very first one is the fact that Nairobi sensationally denies the presence of Jubaland forces in Mandera. And the other truth is that the local leadership, so to speak, and the citizenry in Mandera do have a different feeling,” Adera said on Monday.
“And so that brings us to where to close the risk. Scrutinize those two divergent perspectives,” he added.
Adera adds the question of Jubaland forces creates a gap in perceptions, where there is one belief that expresses denial, while the other, which includes local leaders and residents of Mandera, fronts a divergent opionion.
"And so from where I sit, the perception gap that this creates is a problem that needs to actually be addressed. An informational gap is something that is really as critical as it gets in the border theater; information presence is actually an oppression in and of itself," Adera said.
Governance and policy analyst Abdullahi Alas cautioned that any infiltration by foreign forces could create a window for Al-Shabaab operatives to disguise themselves and penetrate Kenya.
“So I think the Kenyan mistake is to try and believe that some of these things cannot mutate, okay, to bigger things. You will not know who is a Jubaland forces militia or who is an Al Shabaab, if they so decide to dress like them,” Alas said.
Alas also stresses the importance of using efficient tactics to tackle cross-border insecurity.
"You know, an incident happens in Asabito is like 200 kilometers from Mandaera. You see, the response time to incidents is very important, whether it's an emergency or an accident or robbery or anything," he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed on Wednesday in Busia that security agencies are investigating the reports. He denied suggestions that the government had prior knowledge of Jubaland forces crossing into Mandera.
“The government’s priority is to ensure that no criminal elements enter the country. Those seeking refuge will be assisted in collaboration with the Somali government, with whom Kenya enjoys good relations,” Murkomen told journalists.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif has been among the strongest voices raising alarm over the issue, warning that the alleged presence of Jubaland forces undermines Kenya’s sovereignty.
“Good health is inseparable from peace and security. Recently, fighting between the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces spilt across our border, disrupting lives and threatening the safety of our people. Disturbingly, some of those forces have been hosted within Kenyan territory, compromising our national sovereignty and endangering our citizens. As Governor of Mandera, I strongly condemn this,” Khalif said.
Investigations by Kenyan security agencies are ongoing, leaving uncertainty over whether the border standoff could escalate further
