Kenya Defense Forces team stamped authority in Jubbaland capital Kismayo in dramatic version as the Somalia's most stable state enters polls, Thursday.

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Incumbent President Sheikh Ahmed Madobe is facing fierce challenge from within and outside, but Kenya is determined to have him in power.

Sheikh Madobe, the leader of Ras Kamboni Brigade, has been a key ally of Nairobi in the fight against Al-Shabaab, a reason Kenya is determined to have him in place.

Already, KDF troops, which control a total of 9 districts along with Somalia National Army in Jubbaland, of the 15, has seized Kismayo Airport as a strategy to keep Ethiopia and Somalia federal government at bay in the polls.

"Jubaland administration has just announced the closure of the Kismayo Airport effective 20 August 2019 at 06:00PM; until the day after the election on 23rd August 2019. Announcement says movement of security forces willl not be allowed on Election Day 22 August," wrote VOA journalist Harun Maruf.

Tension escalated on Tuesday when KDF troops blocked an Ethiopian plane from landing in Kismayo Airport, with sources indicating that it was a precautionary measure.

As polls open on Thursday where 75 MPs are set to elect new president, United Nations Assistance Mission for Somalia (UNISOM), has asked stakeholders to prevent parallel voting.

Opposition in Jubbaland has formed a parallel commission and list of MPs who are also expected to vote, something that could distabilise the state.

"Ahead of the planned events on 22 August 2019, we call on all stakeholders to avoid any actions that could cause violence. We welcome the efforts of AMISOM to create a secure environment in Jubaland, and encourage coordination between the forces on the ground. We urge all stakeholders to act with restraint, wisdom, and statesmanship.

"Maintaining peace and stability in Jubaland is crucial not only for the people of this Federal Member State but also to enable further progress on Somalia’s national political, security, economic and development priorities," read the statement.

The impasse has seen former presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Galmudug state President Abdulkarim Gulled and current Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni support the poll agency.

With the elections though, the interests in Jubbaland have grown beyond Somalia. On Thursday, a group of academics said the impact of the poll would shake regional security policies.

“There are contestations from many players. Jubbaland is like the umbilical cord of Somalia and Kenya. It is very strategic,” said Patrick Maluki, a diplomacy lecturer at the University of Nairobi