The Kenyan government has called for calm in the wake of a deadly attack at the Todonyang border in Turkana County, where reports indicate that several fishermen lost their lives. Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo has assured the public that authorities are actively working to establish the facts and cautioned against speculation or sensationalizing the incident.
The attack, which took place on the evening of Saturday, in the Lopeimukay and Lotiira areas, is believed to have been carried out by gunmen from Ethiopia. While unverified reports suggested that at least 20 fishermen were killed, Omollo has urged Kenyans to disregard unconfirmed figures until a comprehensive investigation is completed.
Speaking on Sunday, Omollo emphasized that security officials, including the regional commissioner, county commissioner, and intelligence teams, are already on the ground conducting investigations. He reiterated that the Interior Ministry would provide an accurate account of the attack once all necessary details have been gathered.
“We will be able to share with the country the exact details. What I will do for now as the PS is to urge caution so that we don’t sensationalize this matter,” Omollo stated. “Matters of security are very serious, and we must handle them with care. The country will be made aware in due course of what exactly happened and the extent of the casualties.”
Omollo further clarified that since the attack occurred along the Ethiopia-Kenya border, security personnel are engaging in cross-border communication to ascertain the exact circumstances. He highlighted that the affected communities have long-standing ties despite the existence of artificial national boundaries, and conflicts occasionally arise.
The PS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring stability and security in the region. He also noted that he has been in direct communication with the leadership in Turkana County to coordinate responses and address emerging concerns.
“I want to assure the country that there is no reason to panic or sensationalize this. We are working closely with local leadership to manage the situation,” he said. “For now, I urge the public to ignore the numbers being peddled around as they do not represent the correct position. We will provide verified information as soon as our teams on the ground conclude their investigations.”
As investigations continue, security forces have increased surveillance along the border to prevent further violence. The government’s assurance seeks to allay fears and maintain order as the situation unfolds.
