By bringing war to Mandera, Somalia combatants have crossed the line

Kenya has been sucked into a row between Somalia and Jubaland. Somalia authorities accuse Kenya of siding with Jubaland and fuelling the crisis in the Gedo region. Jubaland Minister Abdirashid Abdinur, being sought by Somalia after escaping from a Somalia jail, is said to be hiding in Kenya. But Kenya has denied the allegations.

In a complete breach of international protocols, Somalia and Jubaland forces engaged each other on the Kenyan side of Mandera town on Monday this week. One person was killed while 11 were injured. By whatever yardstick, that was uncalled for aggression and provocation. Indeed, the violation of our territorial integrity resulted in President Uhuru Kenyatta chairing a National Security Council meeting on Wednesday this week, the clearest indicator that the government did not take this aggression lightly.