DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa has raised concerns over the silence of the Defence Ministry and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) administration as Jubaland militias continue to invade Mandera County.

While addressing the media on Wednesday, September 3, Wamalwa expressed his disappointment at how the relevant authorities tasked with providing security to the country and safeguarding its borders have failed to issue a statement on the happenings in Mandera. According to Wamalwa, this silence by security forces shows that they are complicit in the invasion, since up to now they ought to have acted.

“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.

Wamalwa revealed that a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) drawn from the DAP-K party who hails from the region had called him and informed him of the situation in the North, saying that what is happening in Mandera is worrying and that locals are now living in fear within their land, which they have called home for decades.

According to Eugene Wamalwa, action is wanted against the militia since the Mandera land, which has been invaded by the Jubaland militia, amounts to a direct violation of international law and the sovereignty of Kenya.

Message to Ruto

Wamalwa went on to express his frustration with President William Ruto, urging him to act on the issues raised by the Mandera Governor, who, after a long silence, recently voiced concerns about the growing presence of foreign forces in the county.

He also highlighted the plight of Mandera residents, who are now living in fear and unable to access their farms. According to Wamalwa, some locals have already started relocating due to insecurity.

He questioned how such groups, which are heavily armed, could be allowed to operate freely within the country without any action being taken against them.

Eugene Wamalwa now joins the list of opposition leaders who have spoken out against the dominance of Jubaland forces. The first to raise alarm on the matter was former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who expressed concern and criticised leaders from the region for remaining silent even as the militia continues to endanger local communities.