Nominated Member of Parliament Sulekha Harun has raised the alarm in Parliament over growing insecurity in Mandera County, citing the spillover of armed conflict from neighbouring Somalia as an urgent national security concern.
In a statement request made pursuant to Standing Order 44(2)(c), Harun called on the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations to address the worsening situation near Border Point One in Mandera town. The unrest, she said, stems from ongoing violent clashes between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubaland Administration in Bula Hawa—a town situated just across the border from Mandera.
“Residents of Mandera town have been subjected to a series of alarming incidents involving stray bullets and live ordnance,” Harun told the National Assembly. “These projectiles, originating from the hostilities in Somalia, are endangering lives, destroying property, and instilling fear among innocent civilians—particularly those living near the border.”
She reported that the insecurity has disrupted daily life, forcing families to flee their homes, shutting down businesses prematurely, and keeping children indoors for fear of injury or worse. In some cases, residents have sought refuge with relatives in safer parts of Mandera town due to the persistent threat of cross-border violence.
The MP further revealed disturbing reports that, during moments of intense fighting, some members of the Jubaland forces have allegedly crossed into Kenyan territory. This, she emphasised, is a direct violation of Kenya’s sovereignty and poses a serious national security threat.
“The presence of foreign armed groups and ongoing military activity near our borders is unacceptable,” said Hon. Harun. “Communities are demanding action, including the removal of any foreign fighters whose presence contributes to this insecurity.”
In her request to the Committee Chairperson, Hon. Harun sought answers on three critical fronts, including the steps that are being taken by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to safeguard the lives and property of Mandera residents from the conflict spillover.
She enquired if the Ministry has lodged any formal diplomatic complaints with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubaland Administration over these cross-border violations and if the long-term security strategies are in place to protect Mandera and other border areas from future incursions.
The MP also stressed the need for enhanced cross-border peace initiatives and stronger security collaboration between Kenya and Somalia to protect innocent civilians who are caught in the crossfire of a conflict not of their making.
