The search operation for missing Kenyans following the deadly attack in Todonyang’ at the Kenya-Ethiopia border has yielded grim results, with two bodies recovered so far. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that more than 20 individuals remain unaccounted for as efforts to locate them continue.
The attack, which occurred last Saturday, involved heavily armed assailants suspected to be from Ethiopia’s Dassanech community. Reports indicate that these attackers ambushed Turkana fishermen who were fishing in Lake Turkana near River Omo, indiscriminately opening fire on them. Authorities are still working to determine the exact number of casualties, with some estimates suggesting that the death toll could exceed a dozen.
The National Police Service stated on Sunday that it was investigating “an alleged clash between Turkana and Dassanech fishermen at Lopemukat Common Waters” along the border. Murkomen, while acknowledging the severity of the incident, assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to address the crisis.
“Some of our citizens remain unaccounted for, and we are collaborating with the Ethiopian government and the Kenya Defence Forces to resolve this border issue. There should be no cause for alarm calm has returned to the area,” he said.
However, the search and rescue efforts are facing significant challenges, primarily due to the geographical complexity of Lake Turkana, much of which lies in Ethiopian territory. The Kenyan government has mobilized resources, including diplomatic channels, to ensure the safe return of the missing persons.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo also weighed in on the situation, urging the public to disregard unverified casualty figures. “Ignore the numbers being circulated; they are not accurate. We will provide official information once we complete our verification,” he stated.
In a related development, CS Murkomen addressed another security concern—the abduction of chiefs from Wajir by suspected Al Shabaab militants. He affirmed that the government is employing local contacts and strategies to facilitate their safe release.
Some reports suggest that the Todonyang’ attack may have been a retaliatory act following the alleged killing of Dassanech fishermen by suspected Turkana bandits near River Omo on Saturday morning. This border region has long been a hotspot for ethnic clashes and resource-based conflicts, exacerbating tensions between communities on both sides.
As security forces continue operations to locate the missing individuals and restore normalcy, the government has reassured residents that stability is being restored. However, the attack highlights the persistent security challenges along Kenya’s porous borders, necessitating sustained diplomatic and military efforts to prevent further loss of life.
