Marsabit and Isiolo counties have become the focal point of a new security operation as Kenyan authorities intensify efforts to curb criminal activities linked to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). The multi-agency initiative, dubbed ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili,’ was officially launched on Monday and aims to dismantle the group’s hideouts in the region.
The crackdown follows mounting security concerns from both Kenya and Ethiopia, with the OLA accused of various crimes, including arms trafficking, illegal mining, and human trafficking. President William Ruto’s recent discussions with Ethiopia’s Director General of the National Intelligence Security Service, Redwan Hussien, and Kenya’s National Intelligence Service Director General, Noordin Haji, reportedly played a role in accelerating the operation.
Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, and the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, led the launch of the operation on behalf of Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja. Kanja emphasized that the operation would target criminal elements whose activities threaten national security.
“These include arms, drug, and human trafficking, illegal mining, instigating tribal conflicts, and kidnapping for ransom, particularly in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti sub-counties,” Kanja stated.
He reassured local communities of their security and urged them to remain calm while cooperating with security forces. He further highlighted that the OLA has leveraged close cultural and familial ties between the Borana of Kenya and the Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate the region, exacerbating tensions and violence.
Reports indicate that the militia group has subjected communities along the Kenya-Ethiopia border to violence, including forceful takeovers of property and sexual assaults against women and girls. As a result, authorities have declared the affected areas a security zone, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Also present at the launch were top security officials, including General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, and Eastern Regional Police Commander Charles Naibei. They emphasized that the operation’s goal is to restore peace and eliminate threats posed by the OLA.
Despite government efforts, the region continues to grapple with criminal elements exploiting the area’s gold mining sites. Clashes over control of these mines have led to numerous fatalities. Authorities remain resolute in their mission, urging residents to support the operation as it unfolds in the coming weeks.
