Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has demanded that Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya take responsibility for securing Kenya’s borders, warning that the country’s sovereignty is under threat.

Speaking during a service at AIC Kasina Church in Mlolongo, Machakos County, on Sunday, Kalonzo said the mandate to protect Kenya’s borders lies squarely with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), not the Interior Ministry.

“When it comes to the protection of sovereignty, it becomes the protection of our borders, as in our National Anthem, ‘plenty be found within our borders.’ The responsibility to guard those borders isn’t the Interior Ministry’s responsibility,” he said.

Kalonzo was reacting to reports that Jubaland forces from Somalia had crossed into Mandera, occupied BP1 Primary School, and disrupted learning and daily life. The alleged incursion has reportedly caused panic, displacement, and economic disruption in the border town.

The former Vice President, accompanied by DAP–K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Makueni Woman Rep Rose Museo, lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, insisted that the Defence Ministry must act immediately.

“When you have a foreign military occupation, it’s not for the police to deal with. The CS for Defence should address this issue. The president is silent, the Defence CS is quiet, and Mandera residents are crying. This isn’t a joke,” Kalonzo said, adding that the KDF should disarm any armed men crossing the border.

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif and Senator Ali Roba have already expressed alarm, saying the incursion undermines Kenya’s sovereignty. However, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed the claims, insisting security agencies are in control.

Wamalwa echoed Kalonzo’s concerns, calling the situation in Mandera regrettable.

“It is sad for the country to witness what is happening in Mandera. Let’s pray for our brothers and sisters under attack from Jubaland forces while the government remains quiet,” he said.

Wamalwa also urged the government not to dismiss warnings from opposition leaders, noting that both Kalonzo and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have served on the National Security Council.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti described Kalonzo as the current face of the opposition following ODM leader Raila Odinga’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.

“Now that the former Prime Minister has joined hands with the government, Kalonzo Musyoka stands as the official opposition leader, and that is democracy,” she said.

She also rallied support for Kalonzo’s 2027 presidential bid, warning politicians against exploiting his influence for personal gain.