Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary visits Turkana after a deadly ambush

This Monday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited Todonyang near the Kenya-Ethiopia border to check on the security there after a conflict on Saturday between Kenyans and members of the Dassanech community from Ethiopia.

During his visit, there was a heavy government security presence at the border because of a recent attack by armed militants from the Dassanech tribe. These militants had attacked local fishermen near the Omo River, with reports claiming that 20 fishermen might have been killed. However, the government has not confirmed how many people died.

In a statement, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo urged the public not to spread rumors and emphasized the importance of handling security issues carefully.

Further, Murkomen announced that Kenya plans to set up a new border post to ensure thorough checks on everyone entering the country. This action comes as part of an effort to collaborate with Ethiopian authorities to locate people who are still missing after the attacks.

Local leaders, including Turkana County governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, reported that there had been a clash between Ethiopian and Kenyan fishermen on Saturday, which led to the disappearance of 15 boats.

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The Todonyang area, shared by the Turkana and Dassanech communities, has experienced similar violent incidents in the past, mainly over livestock and fishing rights.