Gachagua Demands Removal of Jubaland Forces After Deadly Mandera Attack

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the killing of six people in Mandera County, blaming the attack on what he described as the continued presence of illegal foreign Jubaland forces on Kenyan soil.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Gachagua expressed sorrow over the deaths of the victims killed in Arabia Sub-County and sent condolences to their families, while wishing seven others injured in the incident a quick recovery.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” Gachagua said as he mourned the victims, describing them as innocent and patriotic Kenyans whose lives were cut short in a violent act of aggression.

The former deputy president said he had previously warned about the growing security threat posed by the presence of Jubaland forces in parts of northern Kenya, particularly in Mandera Town.

“Last year, I raised concerns over the occupation of parts of Mandera by foreign forces. Sadly, this tragic incident has confirmed those fears,” he said.

Gachagua accused the government of failing to decisively address the matter and called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign armed groups operating illegally within Kenyan territory.

“The safety, sovereignty and dignity of Kenyan citizens must be protected at all costs,” he stated.

He further warned against what he termed as sacrificing Kenya’s territorial integrity for “cheap business and political interests,” saying the country’s security should never be compromised.

The killings have heightened tension and concern among residents in the border region, where insecurity linked to armed groups and cross-border conflicts has remained a major challenge for years.

Local leaders and residents have continued to call for stronger security measures and increased government presence in the area to protect civilians and restore confidence among communities living near the Kenya-Somalia border.