BANISA– Mandera Senator Ali Ibrahim Roba has strongly criticized security agencies in the county, urging them to take full responsibility for maintaining peace and protecting residents, saying that ensuring security is not the job of political leaders.
Speaking during a recent event, Senator Roba said that for far too long, political leaders have taken it upon themselves to respond to security incidents, often arriving first at the scene, using their personal resources, and helping to calm tensions—while security teams remain inactive.
“We have had a traditional commitment as leaders to safeguard the lives of our people,” Roba said. “Every time an incident happens, we travel swiftly, pay the expenses, and manage the issue. But this is not our mandate. It is the duty of the security agencies.”
The Senator emphasized that in other parts of the country, such as Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru, security matters are handled fully by professional agencies. Political leaders are only called in to support when necessary—not to lead or manage operations.
He noted that while some regions may face politically motivated violence, Mandera County’s leadership has worked hard to ensure peaceful coexistence among communities.
“In our case, there is no suspicion of political involvement in the security issues we face. Our communities are living peacefully with one another.” he said.
Roba said it is unfair for politicians to always be at the forefront of solving security challenges, while those tasked with the responsibility remain silent or inactive.
He called on all security officers in Mandera—from the grassroots to the top leadership—to wake up and take charge.
“The security team in this county must take their primary responsibility seriously: to foster peace and protect lives. It’s not the job of politicians to manage security. You should be calling us in when you need our support—not the other way around.”
His statements days after six people were killed and several others injured in Malkamari area, Banissa Sub- County.
Security apparatus are yet to issue official statement regarding the incident as investigation continues.
