By Michelle Ndaga
Nominated Member of Parliament, Hon. Sulekha Harun, has urged the Kenyan government to take immediate action following escalating insecurity in Mandera County, driven by spillover from armed conflict in neighboring Somalia.
Speaking in the National Assembly under Standing Order 44(2)(c), Hon. Harun said the unrest originates from violent clashes between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubaland Administration in Bula Hawa, a town located just across the border from Mandera. She reported that stray bullets, live ordnance, and alleged cross-border incursions by Jubaland forces have endangered lives, destroyed property, and caused widespread fear among residents.
“Communities near Border Point One have had to flee their homes, shut down businesses, and keep children indoors due to the persistent threat of cross-border violence,” Hon. Harun told lawmakers. She emphasized that such attacks constitute a violation of Kenya’s sovereignty and a serious national security threat.
In her statement, the MP called on the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations to provide urgent updates on measures being taken by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to protect citizens, lodge diplomatic complaints with Somalia and Jubaland, and implement long-term strategies to prevent future incursions.
Hon. Harun also stressed the need for enhanced cross-border peace initiatives and stronger security collaboration between Kenya and Somalia to safeguard civilians caught in the conflict.
In addition to government action, humanitarian agencies such as the Kenya Red Cross and local NGOs have been providing critical assistance to affected residents. Their support includes temporary shelter for displaced families, medical care for those injured by stray ordnance, food distribution, and psychosocial support to children and families traumatized by the violence.
The insecurity in Mandera, occurring as of August 2025, highlights the fragility of Kenya’s northeastern border regions, where communities continue to face threats from external conflicts. The combination of government intervention and humanitarian support is seen as crucial in addressing both immediate safety concerns and the long-term welfare of civilians living near the border.
