Mandera county commissioner Onesmus Kytha has rubbished claims by a section of area politicians that the region is being controlled by the Al Shabaab.
Kyatha refuted claims made by Governor Ali Roba, terming the allegations as baseless and unfounded.
The governor had earlier on claimed that the militants have infiltrated more than 50% of Mandera County and were radicalizing locals.
The County Commissioner said government functions are running smoothly except for a few isolated cases of attacks by the Somalia based terror outfits.
He appealed to the members of the public to cooperate with the security agencies in safeguarding Mandera County from Al Shabaab.
Mr. Roba however said people are now living in fear after the return of the Somalia-based terrorist group.
He claimed that the group has taken strategic locations in the county and Northeastern Kenya in general.
Speaking in Mandera town on Friday during the launch of Sh110 million bursary for needy students, the governor said Al Shabaab who attack public service vehicles, destroy communication masts and kidnap people were now controlling all main roads serving the county.
According to the governor, a serious security crisis is unfolding within Mandera caused by undeterred movement of terror cells within the county.
He said three people are still missing after their vehicle was attacked on Monday and their whereabouts remain unknown.
By Dickson Githaiga
