The latest explosives discovery comes days after a woman was killed and another seriously injured by suspected stray bullets, with thousands of Ethiopians fleeing into Kenya.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel have detonated three rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) discovered near the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Moyale, Marsabit County, as authorities intensify security operations amid escalating violence in neighbouring Ethiopia.
The controlled demolition was conducted on Monday, November 9, in the Sessi area, where two explosives reportedly fired from the Ethiopian side landed a few metres inside Kenyan territory.
According to officials, the two RPGs were discovered near a slaughter site following reports of explosions in the border area at around 2am.
The devices had stabilising fins at the rear but no visible registration markings.
KDF personnel based in Moyale secured the explosives and carried out a controlled demolition, with no injuries or property damage reported.
A third RPG was subsequently discovered along the roadside near Sessi Mixed Secondary School as the soldiers returned from the demolition site.
The third device, which did not have stabilising fins, was also safely detonated.
The latest operation marks another explosives disposal exercise in the border region within two weeks, highlighting the security challenges facing Kenyan authorities as fighting continues across the frontier.
Moyale Faces Growing Threat From Cross-Border Violence
The latest discovery follows an earlier incident on November 1, when security officers detonated three RPGs found at Sessi Primary School and the Meteorological Department offices.
The explosives had prompted security concerns around nearby learning institutions, with two Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination centres in Moyale Sub-County relocated to safer locations.
The repeated discovery of explosives has raised fears that the fighting in Ethiopia could increasingly expose Kenyan residents and public facilities to dangerous weapons crossing the international boundary.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered the deployment of additional officers to Moyale following a security assessment visit on November 5.
During the visit, Kanja chaired a meeting with regional security commanders to assess the situation and coordinate measures to protect residents and their property.
“We are here to ensure all the visitors and locals are safe. We will ensure more personnel arrive for protection,” he said.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information that could help identify and prevent emerging threats.
Kanja also visited a camp hosting families displaced by the violence and assured them of enhanced security and coordinated humanitarian assistance.
He was accompanied by Directorate of Criminal Investigations Director Mohammed Amin, General Service Unit Commandant Johanna Tonui and Kenya Police Service Director of Operations Philip Opiyo, among other senior security officials.
Two Kenyan Women Hit by Suspected Stray Bullets
The security concerns have been heightened by incidents involving suspected stray bullets believed to have originated from fighting across the border.
On November 2, a 65-year-old woman identified as Amina Guchi was killed after an object believed to be a stray bullet struck her on the head near the Marsabit County offices in Moyale.
Guchi was reportedly speaking to a security official when she was hit from behind. She collapsed and was rushed to Moyale Sub-County Referral Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Two days later, on November 4, a 20-year-old woman was seriously injured after being struck by two suspected stray bullets while at her home in the Biashara area.
Police said the victim was hit in the back and lost consciousness before being taken to Taqwa Nursing Home Hospital, where medical personnel removed the bullets.
She was admitted in serious condition as police documented the incident.
The circumstances surrounding how the projectiles entered Kenyan territory have not been conclusively established.
The incidents have intensified concerns among residents who fear that the conflict could cause further casualties on the Kenyan side of the border.
Up to 50,000 Ethiopians Reportedly Cross Into Kenya
The security situation has unfolded alongside a growing humanitarian crisis, with thousands of Ethiopians fleeing violence and seeking refuge in Moyale.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said approximately 40,000 people had crossed into Kenya following escalating tensions in Ethiopia.
He said he had communicated with his Ethiopian counterpart and urged the government to help restore stability so displaced families could return home.
Mudavadi said Ethiopian authorities had assured Kenya that they were working to normalise the situation.
However, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had earlier reported that local authorities estimated up to 50,000 people had crossed into Kenya by October 28.
The agency cautioned that the figure remained fluid as registration and verification continued, with reports of additional arrivals.
Many of those fleeing the violence are women and children. Some are staying with relatives and host communities, while others have sought temporary accommodation in schools, churches and other facilities.
The differing figures reflect estimates made at different stages of the displacement and should not be treated as a confirmed final count.
What Is Behind the Fighting in Ethiopia?
The violence is linked to longstanding disagreements between Ethiopia’s Oromia and Somali regional administrations over territorial boundaries and administrative control.
The latest escalation reportedly followed a dispute involving the establishment of an administrative office and the raising of the Somali Regional State flag in contested territory.
The clashes have affected communities on both sides of the border, triggering displacement and raising fears of further instability in the region.
The United Nations refugee agency has warned of growing humanitarian needs in northern Kenya as more people arrive in search of safety.
The continued movement of civilians, alongside reports of gunfire and explosives crossing into Kenyan territory, has placed additional pressure on security agencies and humanitarian responders.
