Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims that foreign troops are operating in the country following allegations of the presence of Jubaland forces in the border town of Mandera.
Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama tour in Kakamega on Friday, September 5, Murkomen said Kenya is safe and under no threat whatsoever from any foreign force.
“When it comes to border protection in Mandera, I have spoken many times, and I would like to say again that our country is safe. It is very safe,” he said.
“There are no bad people or foreign armies, nor any foreign regions that have come to Kenya to invade our country. There are none. I would like to emphasize that no one has come to Kenya to fight with Kenyans.”
CS Murkomen Denies Presence of Jubaland Forces in Kenya
Murkomen said the only constant threat Kenya faces is from terrorist elements, particularly Al-Shabaab.
“What we have always had from time to time are our neighbours running away from conflict to seek refuge, and there is a way of handling their return under the established diplomatic protocols,” he said.
According to the CS, every time there is trouble along the border, people cross in and out of Kenya. “When they come, they seek safety, which is why Kenya remains secure,” he said.
He added that the government is cooperating with neighbouring countries to ensure those who enter Kenya for safety are returned through the proper channels.
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Interiors CS on Kenya Negotiating with Al-Shabaab
Murkomen also denied claims of Kenya negotiating with Al-Shabaab, stating that the enemy they continue to fight is Al-Shabaab.
“They are a terror group that has attacked us for many years. We are not fighting Somalia as a country or its regions. We are fighting one enemy—Al-Shabaab.”
“Some people claim that the government is in talks with Al-Shabaab, then turn around to say it is not Al-Shabaab but their enemies. They must be clear—are they supporting Al-Shabaab or standing with the citizens of Kenya? Cheap politics using security must stop,” he said.
The CS went on to hit out at Kenya Kwanza critics led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Justin Muturi, who have been vocal about the alleged presence of Jubaland forces in Mandera and negotiations with Al-Shabaab.
Also Read: Gachagua Defends Al Shabaab Bombshell, Mocks Murkomen Over Arrest Threats
He said it was unfortunate for leaders who have held senior positions to use security matters to score cheap political points.
“I have seen senior politicians, some even who have been vice presidents and security ministers, using the word occupation. This is unfortunate. They are well aware that the term “occupation” is a technical term meaning a takeover. Nothing of the sort has happened.”
“I want to remind former leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Wamunyoro, and even former Attorney General and Minister Matiang’i, all of whom once sat in the National Security Council, that they must conduct themselves responsibly. Security is not a sector for political games.”
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