Kenyan search teams have been granted access to Ethiopia to locate missing Turkana fishermen and recover 15 boats following diplomatic negotiations between the two governments. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that the team had already accessed the area and was actively conducting search operations.
The search effort follows an incident near Todonyang village in Turkana County, where several fishermen were reported missing under unclear circumstances. In response, CS Murkomen visited the village on Monday and initiated a high-level diplomatic process to secure Ethiopia’s cooperation. The negotiations, led by Kenya’s Regional Commissioner, aimed at ensuring Kenyan authorities could cross the border to assist in the search and rescue mission.
By Tuesday evening, discussions between Kenyan and Ethiopian officials in Nairobi had yielded positive results, leading to Ethiopia’s approval for the search operation. By Wednesday morning, Kenyan teams, in collaboration with Ethiopian counterparts, had begun combing through the affected area for any signs of the missing fishermen.
The Kenyan government has urged the public to remain calm, assuring families and residents that all efforts are being made to account for the missing persons and restore normalcy in the region. Authorities have also emphasized their commitment to strengthening security and cooperation between the two nations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the search continues, affected families in Turkana remain hopeful that their loved ones will be found safe. Meanwhile, leaders from both countries have pledged to work together to enhance safety measures for fishermen operating along the border.
This development underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in addressing cross-border challenges and ensuring the well-being of communities dependent on fishing for their livelihoods. More updates are expected as the operation progresses.
