Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has attributed the dominance of Jubaland militias in Mandera to the scrapping of ID vetting, which was traditionally a prerequisite for anyone living near the border.

While speaking in Trans Nzoia County on Wednesday, September 3, the governor, who has been vocal in opposing the government’s decision to scrap mandatory ID vetting for border communities, stated that the emergence of such deadly forces is a result of what he had earlier warned the government about, but his concerns were then ignored.

 He added that these militias are now using the loophole as a gateway to enter the country since barriers to entry have been lessened, accusing the government of handling the matter casually without considering the consequences.

According to Natembeya, should the government continue to hesitate, the day the KDF is deployed to arrest the situation, they will find all militias with Kenyan identification cards since it’s now easier to acquire them, as there is no mandatory vetting as it was in the past.

“Na juzi mimi niliwambia muache kufungua mipaka, watu waache kuchukua kitambulisho kiholela, wakasema mimi sitaki wasomali wapate kitambulisho, sasa hao wakora wamekuja Kenya, ile siku jeshi itaenda huko itapata wote wako na vitambulisho, utawafukuza warudi Somalia ama utaachana nao,” Natembeya stated

Natembeya further expressed his disappointment, questioning why the relevant security agencies have not acted swiftly to resolve the issue. Directing his remarks at President William Ruto, he insisted that the responsibility of ensuring the security of the territorial boundaries is safe and free from invasion lies squarely with him.

Eugene Wamalwa’s concerns

The governor now joins other opposition leaders who have voiced their dissatisfaction over the resurgence and dominance of the militia in northern Kenya.

His party leader, Eugene Wamalwa, while addressing the media, also expressed concern over why the Defence Ministry and the KDF are yet to issue a statement, even as residents of Mandera continue to live in fear. According to Wamalwa, some families have already been forced to leave the county due to rising insecurity.

“I am very surprised that until now, the CS in charge of defence has not said anything. We have not heard any statement from KDF. Are they allowing Jubaland forces to operate within Kenyan territory with the authority of KDF? Why is the CS quiet about this?” Wamalwa stated.