The government, through CS Kipchumba Murkomen, has denied the existence of Jubbaland troops operating from the border town of Mandera.
According to the Interior Cabinet Secretary, the government is only hosting Somali refugees fleeing their country originating from their country.
He continued by saying that the policy in place is there to protect those fleeing war in their country and does not allow those fighting in Somalia to come and fight them from Kenya.
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Murkomen, who has maintained humanitarian efforts from Kenya, admitted that the ongoing fights in Bula-Hawa usually spill over into Mandera, thus making it difficult to identify the troops involved.
The CS confirmed that the government has received complaints from Mandera residents, which include the closure of schools. He assured Kenyans that the government will continue to support those seeking refuge in the country.
The statement was contrary to that issued by Mandera Senator Ali Roba, who confirmed the existence of Jubbaland forces in the country.
According to Roba, the forces are consolidating their strength in Mandera and literally taking over the community, something that they said they will not allow to thrive.
Roba threatened to mobilize residents to defend themselves, something that he said would endanger the peace and cause international humiliation.
The Senator was speaking at a time when Mandera residents held protests over the alleged existence of the forces in the town.
