Turkana-Ethiopia Border Tragedy: Over 30 Fishermen Killed in Deadly Attack
At least 30 fishermen have been reportedly killed in a deadly attack at the Todonyang border in Turkana, allegedly carried out by the Dassanach (Merile) militia from Ethiopia. Turkana North Member of Parliament Ekwom Nabuin confirmed the tragic incident, which took place along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, targeting unarmed Turkana fishermen.
Speaking of the aftermath on Sunday, February 23, MP Nabuin revealed that he had visited the affected villages of Lotiira and Lopeimukat, where he held a security meeting with Dassanach local security leaders and the Turkana county security team.
“It is with deep sorrow that I report nearly 30 Turkana lives have been lost, with bodies still inside Lake Turkana. We have agreed with the security team and the Dassanach community to account for the dead with the help of the Kenya Red Cross team,” Nabuin stated.
Authorities have managed to recover several stolen items, which will be officially handed over to the Turkana community. These include 15 boats, fishing nets, one motorbike, and two NPR firearms.
MP Nabuin expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, noting that fishing is a crucial source of livelihood for the Turkana community. “It is painful to lose people in such a tragic manner. However, after further engagements with the community, the situation has now been stabilised,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the MP had earlier reported that over 20 fishermen were killed during the clash and several others were feared trapped in the lake.
Government Response and Diplomatic Efforts
MP Nabuin pleaded with the government and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene and bring an end to the clashes. In response, Murkomen stated that the government has reinforced security along the Kenya-Ethiopia border following the violent clashes between citizens and Dassanach community members in Lopeimukat.
The Inspector General of Police has been leading efforts to restore order as diplomatic engagements with the Ethiopian government are underway to ease tensions and foster peace between the two communities.
Further, Murkomen assured the public of the government’s commitment to protecting citizens. “We will do everything possible to keep our people safe at all times,” Murkomen stated.
Security teams remain on high alert as efforts continue to retrieve bodies and ensure peace along the volatile border region.
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Turkana-Ethiopia Border Tragedy: Over 30 Fishermen Killed in Deadly Attack