Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has urged the national government to
address growing fears over reports that foreign militants from Jubaland have
crossed into Kenya and are operating in Mandera County.
Speaking during the funeral service of the late
Madam Tabitha Andesia Okwach at Cherang’any Hills Secondary School in Sinyereri
ward, Natembeya said the silence from relevant security agencies is fueling
anxiety among Kenyans.
“The relevant authorities should come out and
clear the air on this matter because by keeping quiet it causes anxiety and
fear among Kenyans,” Natembeya said.
He warned that the alleged presence of a
militia group on Kenyan soil poses a direct threat to the country’s sovereignty
and territorial integrity.
The governor said security agencies must not remain complacent as citizens
continue to panic over reports of a foreign invasion.
Natembeya recalled that his earlier advisory
against the issuance of national identification cards to foreigners had been
misinterpreted as targeting Kenyan Somalis.
“Some government functionaries made
me a target, hitting at me for opposing issuance of identification cards to
foreigners. I’m now vindicated, and those who pointed fingers of blame are now
seeing it happen right before their naked eyes,” he said.
He added that it is unacceptable to allow
foreign militia to invade the country and threaten Kenyans.
“This is an invasion against our territorial sovereignty, and we demand that
the government should come out clear on this matter,” he said.
The governor insisted that residents of
Mandera deserve the full protection of the state, reminding the government that
their safety is its responsibility.
He called on the Kenya Defence Forces and other security agencies to
intensify surveillance at the borders to ensure militants do not advance
further inland.
Natembeya urged the government to beef up
security in the region, assuring residents of Mandera that they too must be
guaranteed safety as citizens of Kenya.
