NAIROBI, Kenya – In a move to restore security in Marsabit and Isiolo counties, authorities have launched ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili’, a high-level security crackdown targeting criminal hideouts linked to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
This comes after both Kenya and Ethiopia pointed fingers at OLA for fueling violence in the region.
The militia group, exploiting deep family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and the Oromo of Ethiopia, has embedded itself within local communities—causing chaos and suffering along the border.
High-ranking police officials, including Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli and DCI Director Mohamed Amin, kicked off the operation on behalf of Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
NPS LAUNCHES OPERATION ‘ONDOA JANGILI’ IN MARSABIT AND ISIOLO COUNTIES
The crackdown aims to dismantle an intricate web of illegal arms trade, drug and human trafficking, tribal conflicts, and ransom kidnappings.
Areas under close surveillance include Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti Sub-counties, notorious for organized crime and smuggling activities.
The situation has been simmering for months, and last month, President William Ruto met with Ethiopia’s National Intelligence Security Service Director General, Redwan Hussien, alongside Kenya’s NIS Director General Noordin Haji.
The discussions at State House, Nairobi, reportedly set the stage for this major security sweep.
The National Police Service has today, February 3, 2025 officially launched a special security operation dubbed ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili’ to flush out hideouts used by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) within Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
The Oromo Liberation Army is no ordinary armed group. Formed by ex-members of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) who rejected a peace deal, it has since evolved into a full-fledged militia.
Using the rugged terrain of Marsabit and Isiolo counties, OLA militants have terrorized communities, seized property, and committed sexual violence against women and girls.
The influx of these gangs has also escalated human trafficking and gold mining-related violence, with deadly clashes frequently erupting over mining sites.
In a bid to curb these crimes, the Kenyan government has declared the area a security zone.
However, despite this, gang activity remains rampant, with criminals raiding mining sites and engaging in black-market gold trading.
With Kenya ramping up efforts to combat organized crime and safeguard its borders, this operation could be the turning point.
The question remains—will ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili’ finally break the cycle of insecurity, or is this just another temporary fix?
