MCA petitions Parliament to probe Kenya-Somalia border security amid renewed Al-Shabaab attacks

by STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Thursday August 6, 2026

Abakaile Ward MCA Hajir Mohamed Dahiye speaking to the press outside parliament buildings in Nairobi/STEPHEN ASTARIKO

The renewed militant activity along the Kenya-Somalia border has prompted fresh calls for a review of Kenya’s security strategy.Kenya Pipeline reports

Abakaile MCA Hajir Mohamed Dahiye is petitioning Parliament to reassess the country’s military, diplomatic and border management approach.

In a petition addressed to the speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, Dahiye wants the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations to urgently investigate the security situation along the Kenya-Somalia frontier, particularly in Garissa county, Dadaab constituency and neighbouring Jubaland.

The petition comes days after about 15 heavily armed gunmen suspected to be al-Shabaab militants raided Abakaile trading centre in Dadaab subcounty.

The attackers hurled a hand grenade at the trading centre’s main gate before spraying the power generator with bullets, disrupting communication services. Security officers from Dadaab and Saretho responded and forced the militants to flee towards Fafi.

No injuries or fatalities were reported. Speaking after presenting the petition, Dahiye said residents of Garissa continue to endure recurring terrorist attacks despite years of military and diplomatic engagement in Somalia.

He argues that although Kenya has invested heavily in security operations since the launch of Operation Linda Nchi in 2011, border communities continue to suffer insecurity, economic losses and disrupted livelihoods.

“The lives, security and livelihoods of residents living along the Kenya-Somalia border remain under constant threat despite the enormous sacrifices made by the Kenya Defence Forces and other security agencies,” the petition states.

“Parliament must now undertake a comprehensive review of whether the country’s current security and diplomatic approach is effectively protecting Kenyan citizens.”

Among its key proposals, the petition asks Parliament to assess the effectiveness of Kenya’s  political, diplomatic and military engagement in Jubaland since 2012 and determine whether it has produced sustainable security gains for communities along the border.

It also seeks an assessment from the ministries responsible for Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs on the prevailing security situation, including the extent of al Shabaab’s operational presence in Jubaland.

Dahiye further wants Parliament to examine the human and economic costs of prolonged insecurity on Garissa and other frontier counties and review whether Kenya’s policy towards southern Somalia adequately protects national interests.

The petition also highlights the prolonged closure of the Liboi-Harhar border crossing, arguing that it has crippled legitimate trade and deprived thousands of residents of economic opportunities.

Dahiye wants Parliament to explore reopening the crossing under an integrated border management system incorporating immigration, customs, intelligence-led screening and counter-terrorism measures.

He is also calling for a whole-of-government strategy that integrates defence, intelligence, diplomacy, border management, economic development and community participation to strengthen security along the Kenya-Somalia frontier.

While acknowledging the sacrifices made by the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service and other security agencies, the petition says Parliament should determine whether the broader policy framework guiding Kenya’s engagement in southern Somalia remains fit for purpose.