The search and rescue operation for over 20 missing Kenyans following last weekend’s cross-border attack in Todonyang, Turkana County, has been intensified. The Kenya Red Cross, in collaboration with security agencies, has deployed a fiber motorboat and divers to assist in the effort, which has been hampered by resource shortages and security challenges in the Ethiopian region.
According to Turkana County Red Cross chairperson Paul Jelinga, the new deployment is expected to improve access to previously unreachable areas. “We are now better equipped to reach areas previously inaccessible,” he stated.
The attack, which took place in Lotiira and Lopeimukat villages along Lake Turkana, was reportedly carried out by suspected Ethiopian Dassanech militia. The violence followed what Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described as a retaliatory act after a rogue Kenyan allegedly killed three Ethiopian nationals.
So far, only two bodies have been recovered, while families of the missing individuals remain in distress. A reporting desk established at the Todonyang GSU camp on February 23 has received more than 30 cases of missing persons, raising fears that some victims may have perished in the lake waters.
Even as the search continues, complications have arisen regarding access to the attack site. Reports indicate that Ethiopian authorities have deployed their military to the area, allegedly obstructing Kenyan search teams from reaching those believed to be hiding. Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin has accused Ethiopian Special Forces of restricting movement, claiming that their presence has prevented the rescue of potential survivors.
“Ethiopian Special Forces blocked us from reaching Kenyans who are believed to be alive and hiding in the reeds within the lake,” Nabuin said. He further alleged that Ethiopian soldiers have taken control of the area, limiting access and potentially endangering those still missing.
Despite diplomatic negotiations that have granted Kenyan teams access to Ethiopian territory, concerns remain that if any survivors are discovered, they could be executed. Families and leaders are now urging the Kenyan government to push for unrestricted search operations to bring their missing loved ones home.
