Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has recently escalated his criticism of the Kenyan government, alleging foreign military incursions and widespread corruption, alongside raising concerns about land disputes and health scheme irregularities. Speaking in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado, on October 31, 2025, Gachagua claimed that Jubaland forces had invaded and occupied parts of Mandera County, leading to five deaths, several injuries, and the displacement of numerous residents. He specifically highlighted that BP1 Primary School in Mandera Town had been taken over, forcing its closure and disrupting students preparing for national examinations. Gachagua vehemently condemned the government's perceived silence on the matter, urging President William Ruto, as Commander-in-Chief, to immediately deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to protect Kenya's territorial integrity and expel the foreign troops.

Gachagua's claims regarding the presence of Jubaland forces were corroborated by Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif, who had independently demanded the immediate withdrawal of these troops from the county. Governor Khalif noted that skirmishes between the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces had spilled across the border, endangering the lives of Mandera residents. Gachagua, however, criticized Mandera county leaders, including the Governor, Senator, and Members of Parliament, for their initial inaction and silence, alleging they only spoke out after his public pronouncements on the issue.

Further escalating his accusations, Gachagua also made serious allegations during a visit to the United States, claiming that President Ruto had secretly held meetings with Somalia-based Al-Shabaab leaders in Mandera. He stated that he possessed evidence to substantiate these claims, which he intended to share with US authorities due to ongoing investigations in the US Senate. Significantly, Gachagua refused to disclose details of this alleged evidence to Kenyan authorities, asserting that he would not prejudice foreign investigations by sharing information with parties not directly involved.

These allegations were swiftly dismissed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who labeled Gachagua a