Rigathi Gachagua has called for the immediate withdrawal of Jubaland forces from Kenyan territory following a deadly attack in Mandera County that left six people dead.

In a statement issued on Monday, the former deputy president blamed the killings on what he described as illegal foreign fighters operating inside Kenya, warning that their presence threatens national security and territorial integrity.

“Two days ago, we witnessed and received sad news from Northern Kenya, where we lost patriotic Kenyans in an act of aggression and incursion by Jubaland forces who continue to be on Kenyan soil illegally,” Gachagua said.

He extended condolences to the families of the six victims killed in Arabia Sub-County and wished a speedy recovery to seven others injured during the incident.

Gachagua said he had previously warned about the dangers posed by the presence of Jubaland fighters in Mandera, alleging that the forces had earlier occupied significant sections of the town.

“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. This tragic incident has sadly confirmed those fears,” he stated.

The former deputy president condemned the killings and urged the government to remove all foreign armed groups operating unlawfully within Kenya.

“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,” he added.

The attack occurred on Saturday morning when suspected gunmen ambushed a passenger vehicle travelling from Mandera town to Arabia town in Mandera East Constituency.

According to preliminary reports, the attackers intercepted the vehicle at Beer-Awayon village before opening fire on passengers, killing several people on the spot and injuring others.

Mohamed Abdiker also condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act of violence and calling for swift government action.

“It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the six innocent travellers on a mini-bus who were brutally killed by unknown gunmen,” Abdiker said.

He urged security agencies to intensify operations in the region and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Authorities have not yet identified the attackers or established the motive behind the assault, and no group has claimed responsibility. Security personnel have since been deployed to the area as investigations continue.