Despite panic sparked by the presence of Jubaland Security Force (JSF) troops near the Kenya-Somalia border at Bulla Hawa, Mandera County officials have reassured residents that there is no threat posed to Kenyan territory or its citizens.
The anxiety follows heavy fighting on July 30, 2025, between JSF and Somalia National Army (SNA) forces in Bulla Hawa, just across the border. The Kenya-aligned JSF fighters were temporarily displaced but did not cross into Kenya with hostile intent, officials confirmed.
“There was fighting in Somalia, but it did not extend into Kenya. Our side remains secure, with regular KDF patrols ensuring peace,” said Mandera Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Chepoton.
Contrary to claims by local politicians alleging that JSF troops had occupied a school in Mandera, Chepoton firmly denied any such incursion. He clarified that all 68 primary and 68 secondary schools in the county remain open, with none shut due to insecurity.
Ground Reports Dispel Misinformation
At the heart of the rumors was Border Point One Primary School, which politicians claimed had been seized by foreign troops. However, the school’s principal, Abdul Majid Khalif Mohamed, confirmed that classes resumed on July 26th and have continued uninterrupted. Two armed police officers and regular KDF patrols ensure learner safety.
Residents such as Shuria Mohamed Ahmed, a youth leader from Border Point One village, and local businesspeople at the Malka Sufti border crossing reported normal activity and no disruption.
“We are conducting trade as usual,” said trader Halima Ibrahim. Brief Crossing by JSF Fighters – Not an Occupation
While unconfirmed reports suggested a small group of JSF troops briefly crossed into Kenya during the July 30 clashes to regroup, authorities emphasized that they quickly returned to Somalia and posed no risk to locals.
KDF patrol commander Corporal Fredrick Muirigi reiterated that no foreign troops were found operating inside Kenyan territory.
“Our mandate is to ensure the security of this area. We have not encountered JSF on our side of the border,” he said.
Why JSF Matters: A Historic Ally in Regional Stability
The JSF, led by Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, has long been a trusted ally of Kenya in the fight against Al Shabaab. Formed from Madobe’s Ras Kamboni Brigade, the JSF played a critical role in supporting Operation Linda Nchi—Kenya’s 2011 incursion into Somalia to combat insurgents.
Madobe, once a senior Al Shabaab figure who later turned against the group, helped establish Jubaland as a buffer zone that has significantly reduced extremist spillover into Kenya. His forces helped Kenya secure key Somali towns, including Kismayo, which is now the de facto capital of Jubaland.
Internal Somali Politics Behind the Clashes
The recent fighting stems from political fallout between Madobe and his former Security Minister, Abdirashid Janaan, who defected to the SNA and is now attempting to wrest back control of Bulla Hawa from JSF forces.
Janaan, accused of serious human rights violations and once a fierce ally of Madobe, now leads an SNA-backed offensive to reclaim the strategic town, further destabilizing the area.
Despite the tensions, Mandera remains peaceful. Local leaders, school officials, and national security agencies have confirmed there is no current threat to Kenya’s security, and daily life continues as normal in border towns.
Border Calm: Kenyan Security Assures Mandera Residents as Somalia Clashes Rage Nearby
JSF remains a historical ally—not a threat. KDF maintains full control of Kenya’s side of the border.
