Gachagua: Government silent as foreign troops occupy Mandera

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua address residents of Ongata Rongai in Kajiado on Sunday, October 31, 2025. [Bernard Orwongo, Standard]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claims foreign troops have occupied parts of Mandera, leaving five people dead, several injured, and many residents displaced.

He made the remarks on Sunday during a service at Kajiado PCEA Ongata Rongai, alleging that the government has remained silent while Kenya's territorial integrity faces threats.

Gachagua called on President William Ruto to order operations to remove the foreign forces.

Speaking to congregants, he said the invasion had disrupted schools in the town.

"It is unacceptable that foreign forces can invade Kenya. The mandate of the Kenya Defence Forces is to protect our territorial integrity," he said.

He accused Mandera county leaders of remaining silent despite witnessing the situation.

"So, we tell the people of Mandera, even if your leaders keep quiet, we will not be quiet," he told congregants.

The claims come just days after Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif demanded the immediate withdrawal of Jubaland troops, saying they were active inside the county.

Khalif said on Friday that the forces had established a camp at BP1 Primary School in Mandera Town, forcing its closure and displacing pupils preparing for national exams.

The governor said fighting between the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces spilt across the border, disrupting lives and threatening the safety of residents.

Gachagua's comments follow his earlier allegations during a trip to the United States that President Ruto met secretly with Somalia-based Al-Shabaab leaders in Mandera.

He said evidence supporting the alleged links would be shared with US authorities.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki dismissed the claims, calling Gachagua a reckless traitor and urging anyone with such information to present it to Kenya's security agencies.

"I hear there is a leader who spoke outside Kenya and claimed he has information that will help us thwart any attack by Al-Shabaab," Kindiki said during a fundraiser in Sitotwo, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Gachagua declined to provide further details on the alleged Ruto-AS meetings, citing ongoing investigations in the US. In a televised interview, he said he would not disclose information to parties not directly investigating the matter.

"We will not prejudice investigations by giving details of what we know. It is a matter in the US Senate, not Kenya," he said.

He added that he had evidence available to investigators abroad but would withhold it from Kenyan authorities until officially requested.