TODONYANG’, Kenya – Authorities have recovered two bodies as the search continues for more than 20 Kenyans who went missing following last weekend’s deadly attacks in Todonyang’, near the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the discovery, highlighting the challenges facing the rescue mission due to the complex geography of Lake Turkana, much of which extends into Ethiopian territory.
“We are collaborating with the Ethiopian government and the Kenya Defence Forces to resolve this border issue. Some of our citizens remain unaccounted for, but there should be no cause for alarm—calm has returned to the area,” Murkomen said.
FURTHER UPDATE ON THE SEARCH OF MISSING KENYAN CITIZENS FOLLOWING CROSS-BORDER ATTACK IN TODONYANG ALONG THE KENYA-ETHIOPIA BORDER
The attack, which took place on Saturday evening, saw suspected Dassanech militia from Ethiopia ambush Turkana fishermen near River Omo.
Reports suggest the heavily armed assailants opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in multiple casualties.
Authorities are still verifying the exact number of deaths, though unofficial estimates suggest it could exceed a dozen.
On Sunday, the National Police Service launched an investigation into what it described as “an alleged clash between Turkana and Dassanech fishermen” in Lopemukat Common Waters.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo cautioned against misinformation, stating that official figures would be released after verification.
Some sources indicate the attack may have been retaliatory, following reports that suspected Turkana bandits had killed Ethiopian Dassanech fishermen earlier that morning.
Meanwhile, Murkomen also addressed the recent abduction of chiefs in Wajir, allegedly by Al Shabaab militants.
He stated that the government is working through local contacts to facilitate their safe return.
The situation at the border remains tense as security forces continue their operations, with families of the missing anxiously awaiting updates.