NAIROBI (SD) – Kenya Army chief Robert Kariuki Kibochi has paid surprise visit to Mandera town near the border amid reports of military mobilisation by Somalia and Kenya at the border.

Sources in Mandera town said the chief had discussed with the military officials in the town as well as commanders of RDU and AP forces in the towns.

Mid this month, the town was also visited by Deputy Commander Kenya Army Maj Gen Albert Kendagor who met with Kenya Army troops deployed for operations in the North Eastern Region.

Kendagor commended the troops for their efforts in defending and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kenya, according to a Twitter post by Kenya military.

Locals in the town confirmed the presence of different forces in the town including Jubbaland soldiers who are based outside the town.

Kenya has not yet officially commented on the visit by the military chiefs.

Earlier this week, Somalia accused Kenya of deploying military soldiers at the border and arming ‘ local militias’ to attack Beled-Hawa town.

Meanwhile, Somalia also mobilised hundreds of its soldiers to Dolow town near Beled-Hawa town.

Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged both countries to deescalate the tension.