Foreign troops from Somalia’s Jubaland state have reportedly occupied parts of Mandera, Kenya, for over a month, sparking a national security crisis and drawing sharp criticism from political leaders. This incursion has led to tragic consequences, with five people dead, several injured, and numerous residents displaced from their homes. The situation is considered one of the sternest tests yet for Kenya’s territorial integrity in recent times.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressed residents in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado, on Sunday, October 31, 2025, claiming the government has remained silent despite the grave threats to Kenya’s sovereignty. He called on President William Ruto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to immediately order operations to remove these foreign forces. Gachagua emphasized that the mandate of the Kenya Defence Forces is to protect the nation's territorial integrity and criticized Mandera county leaders for their silence on the matter, vowing that he would not remain quiet.

Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif corroborated the presence of Jubaland troops, demanding their immediate withdrawal. On Friday, Khalif confirmed that these forces had established a camp at BP1 Primary School in Mandera Town, forcing its closure and disrupting pupils’ preparations for national exams. He further explained that the fighting between the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces had spilled across the border into Kenya, threatening the safety and lives of Mandera residents. The troops have also reportedly occupied farmland in Border Point One village.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Gachagua’s comments follow earlier explosive allegations he made during a trip to the United States. He claimed that President Ruto had secretly met with Somalia-based Al-Shabaab leaders in Mandera and stated that evidence supporting these alleged links would be shared with US authorities. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki swiftly dismissed Gachagua’s claims, labeling him a reckless traitor and urging anyone with such information to present it to Kenya’s security agencies.

Gachagua, however, has declined to provide further details on the alleged Ruto-Al-Shabaab meetings to Kenyan authorities, citing ongoing investigations in the US Senate. In a televised interview, he stated that he would not prejudice investigations by disclosing information to parties not directly involved. He maintained that he had evidence available to investigators abroad but would withhold it from Kenyan authorities until officially requested.

The State House has remained notably silent on the incursion, putting President Ruto’s solemn oath as the foremost defender of the country’s sovereignty under sharp spotlight. Kenyans are expecting the President to take responsibility for the latest spate of incursions by heavily armed groups into the country, especially given the severe disruption to education and community life in Mandera.