Gachagua claims Jubaland forces behind Mandera attack that killed 6

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has blamed the Jubaland Forces in Kenya for the attack that occurred early on Saturday, May 9, along the Mandera-Arabia road. 

Unknown attackers fired on passengers onboard a matatu, leading to the death of six and three serious injuries.

In a statement on his X page, Gachagua recalled issuing a warning about the serious security threat posed by the presence of foreign Jubaland forces in the North Eastern region of Kenya. 

“Last year, I warned about the serious security threat posed by the presence of illegal foreign Jubaland forces in the territory of the Republic of Kenya when they had occupied almost the entire Mandera Town,” Gachagua wrote. 

According to Gachagua, the foreign forces are in Kenya illegally, hence should be immediately removed. 

“The safety, sovereignty and dignity of Kenyan Citizens must be protected at all costs. We cannot trade the territorial integrity of our nation for cheap business and political gains of a few individuals at the helm of our nation,” the former Deputy affirmed.

Reports of Jubaland forces' presence in Mandera emerged in September 2025, raising security concerns. 

Then, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government was investigating reports that Jubaland forces from Somalia allegedly crossed into the country. 

According to the National Police Service, suspected militia attacked the vehicle travelling from Mandera town to Arabia town.