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Kenyan police have arrested two suspects with Somali army ties in Elwak, Mandera County, following an intelligence-led operation targeting individuals linked to cross-border criminal activities. The suspects, both Kenyan citizens, had reportedly enlisted in the Somali National Army before returning to Kenya, where they were allegedly involved in a series of robberies.
Authorities confirmed that the two men, aged 23 and 32, were apprehended at Soko ya Roba after local residents reported their involvement in criminal activities. During the operation, police recovered an AK-47 rifle with three empty magazines and one loaded with 27 bullets, further implicating the suspects in violent offenses.
The arrests come amid heightened security concerns in Mandera, a region frequently affected by cross-border threats from Somalia. Police stated that the suspects will face charges of robbery with violence and foreign enlistment, a violation of Section 68 of the Penal Code. The law prohibits Kenyan citizens from joining foreign military forces without authorization, a practice that has become increasingly common in border areas.
Security analysts warn that such enlistments contribute to instability, with some returnees engaging in criminal activities or inter-clan conflicts upon their return. The porous Kenya-Somalia border has long been exploited by extremist groups, including Al-Shabaab, which continues to stage attacks in both countries.
Kenyan authorities have intensified efforts to curb security threats, deploying additional personnel and surveillance technology to monitor movements along the border. Local sympathizers have been blamed for facilitating attacks targeting security officers and civil servants, including teachers working in Mandera.
Residents have expressed concerns over the growing trend of Kenyan nationals joining foreign military forces, urging the government to implement stricter measures to prevent enlistment and ensure border security. The latest arrests highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining stability in the region, with law enforcement agencies working to dismantle networks involved in illegal activities.
As investigations continue, police have assured the public that further operations will be conducted to identify and apprehend individuals engaged in cross-border crimes. The arrests serve as a warning to those considering foreign enlistment, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to national security and law enforcement.