MPs call for KDF deployment in Mandera

Four MPs have petitioned President Uhuru Kenyatta to urgently order the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to conflict-torn Mandera County to protect lives and property.

The Wajir County MPs accused Governor Ukur Yatani of spearheading plans to evict certain people from the county and called for urgent intervention by the national government to end the killings that have claimed more than 200 lives, displaced 30,000 families and resulted in destruction of property of unknown value.

MPs Adan Keynan (Eldas), Mohammed Elmi (Tarbaj), Abas Mohammed (Wajir East) and Abdikadir Ore (Wajir West) asked the government to send troops to forcefully disarm militias in the county.

Article 241(3) (c) of the Constitution provides that KDF may be deployed to restore peace in any part of the country affected by unrest or instability only with the approval of the National Assembly.

Arming militia

The MPs accused sections of the community of spearheading the conflict through armed militias and urged President Kenyatta to order the disarmament of the Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) in Mandera as was the case in Marsabit County.

“Children and women bore the greatest brunt of this conflict. There has been blatant violation of the basic human rights through rape, maiming, killing and forceful eviction.
The MPs claimed Mandera County secretary and sub-county administrators were arrested by police in Rhamu “while distributing ammunitions and cash to a militia group.”

Mr Ore said the militia, dressed in KPR uniform, were being transported in Mandera County vehicles when they were apprehended by KDF in Sala location. Mr Keynan accused a certain clan in Mandera of refusing to sign a peace agreement even after the President ordered warring factions to find a solution.