– Mandera Governor Ali Roba Thursday warned the security situation in the border town was deteriorating after Jubaland forces were filmed driving non-standard tactical vehicles mounted with machine guns.
Roba who shared armature footage on his social media timeline said the Jubaland soldiers were seen driving tactical vehicles along the Bulla Jamhuri road in Mandera town.
The governor also claimed the rival Somalia National Army (SNA) had its forces in Beled Hawo just across the border in Somalia’s Gedo region.
“Jubaland security forces are moving right inside Mandera town on Bulla Jamhuria Road, near the central chief’s camp, by the Huduma Center,” he said.
The continued presence of Jubaland forces which Somalia has accused Kenya of shielding has caused panic in Mandera, the county government urging its staff to remain at home for their safety.
The National Security Council (NSC) chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday confirmed Somalia had breached Kenya’s territorial integrity during a daylong gunfight with the rival Jubaland forces on Monday.
At least thirty troops were given a haven at Kenyan security installations in Mandera town during the ensuing gunfight.
Governor Roba appealed for an urgent response by the government to protect Kenyan citizens in the border town as tension builds between Jubaland and Somalia.