Former Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament Kabando wa Kabando has unleashed a scathing attack on President William Ruto, claiming that the Head of State is using instability in Mandera to plot against Kenya’s democratic process.

In a bold statement on X posted on Sunday, August 31, 2025, Kabando says that the reported intrusion of Jubaland forces into Mandera County is part of a calculated scheme by Ruto to create chaos and extend his hold on power by blocking the 2027 elections.

“Invasion of our motherland’s territorial integrity by Jubaland forces via Mandera county is a Ruto conspiracy to cause instability within our sovereign to extend his autocracy by cancelling the 2027 elections,” Kabando said.

The former legislator questioned why Kenya’s military has remained silent in the face of what he termed an assault on the nation’s sovereignty. “Why is our military moribund?” he asked, suggesting that the security apparatus is failing to protect the country against foreign aggression.

Kabando went further, linking the development to the sudden death of former Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla.

“Is this why Gen Ogolla had to die?” he posed, raising sharp questions on the circumstances around Ogolla’s demise and the state of the Kenya Defence Forces.

His remarks come at a time when Kenya’s security focus has been stretched by threats along the Somalia border, banditry in the North Rift, and concerns over the government’s spending priorities.

Kabando’s statement has stirred debate online, with some interpreting it as a serious alarm over governance, sovereignty, and the health of Kenya’s democracy. Others argue it adds to the growing voices of dissent against Ruto’s administration, particularly on questions of transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic institutions.

By tying Mandera’s security crisis to wider political stakes, Kabando has placed President Ruto at the centre of a storm over the 2027 elections. His blunt message suggests that the battle for Kenya’s democracy may increasingly be fought not only at the ballot but also in the arena of sovereignty and security.

Mandera Governor demands action on Jubaland Forces

Adding to the concerns raised by many leaders in the recent past, Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif issued a stern warning over the presence of Jubaland forces in his county.

“Mandera cannot be turned into a battleground for Somalia. We have no interest in Somalia; the only interest we have in Somalia is peace. If they cannot have peace, then we have no business to involved in their internal affairs,” Khalif said.

He criticised the use of civilian facilities for military purposes, noting that a primary school had been closed to accommodate troops. “They have camped in a primary school that is now closed, and people want to do an exam in the next month. How do you close a school and turn it into a military camp? We demand immediate relocation of Jubaland in Mandera, and if they won’t, then we will do it ourselves,” he added.

By tying Mandera’s security crisis to wider political stakes, Kabando and Khalif have placed President Ruto at the centre of a storm over the 2027 elections, suggesting that Kenya’s democratic future may increasingly be influenced by matters of sovereignty and national security.