Kenya has ramped up security along its border with Ethiopia following a violent cross-border clash that left at least 22 people missing. Authorities reveal that the incident involved armed men, though not much details are available about the clash.
Kenyan interior minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that they are coordinating with Ethiopian officials to locate the missing individuals.
The violence allegedly broke out on Saturday near the Omo river, between Ethiopian and Kenyan fishermen, according to Turkana county governor Jeremiah Lomorukai.
Local officials, quoted by news agency AP, also reported that 15 boats disappeared during the confrontation.
Turkana north deputy county commissioner George Orina, part of a Kenyan delegation, said they were unable to reach the scene hence chose to seek information from survivors.
“So far, 16 boats have been accounted for, 1 gun and 1 motorbike, Orina said, adding that 22 people, including fishermen and pastoralists are still missing.
“We left body bags for the dead in case any are found before we resume operations on Monday.”
The Kenyan Red Cross was also on the ground to provide psychological support to survivors, according to news outlet Nation.
The Turkana community in Kenya and Ethiopia’s Dassanech community have long shared economic activities like fishing and pastoralism. However, the region has a history of cross-border tensions, including frequent livestock raids. While Kenya has deployed additional police reservists to maintain order, attackers often retreat into Ethiopian territory, making security operations difficult.
In response to the latest violence, Murkomen announced plans to set up a formal border post, where all individuals crossing into Kenya will undergo security checks.