Efforts are underway to investigate and manage a cross-border conflict that occurred Saturday night near Lake Turkana, involving border communities on the Kenya-Ethiopia border, government has assured.
Speaking to journalists, the Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo cautioned and discouraged the spread of unverified information, emphasizing that security concerns should not be sensationalized.
“This incident took place on the Ethiopian side of the border, and our security teams including the Regional Commissioner, County Commissioner, and County Intelligence team are actively working to establish full details,” the PS stated.
Adding that: “We will be able to share with the country the exact details of that, and what I will do as a PS, for now is to urge caution so that then we don’t sensationalize this issue because matters security are very serious and we cannot sensationalize for whatever reason.”
PS Omollo acknowledged that such tensions occasionally arise due to the fluid nature of borders in the region, where communities share cultural ties despite being in different countries.
However, he reassured the public that there is no need for panic adding that the authorities are coordinating with Turkana County leadership to address any emerging security concerns.
“I just want to give the assurance to the country that there is no reason to panic or to sensationalize this. I’m in communication with the leadership from Turkana County, and we are working together to deal with any challenge that may have arisen out of what happened last night.” He assured.
Additionally, the public has been urged to disregard unofficial casualty figures circulating on various platforms, as the verification process is still ongoing.
“Ignore the numbers being peddled around, because that is not the correct position.” The PS said.
Earlier Sunday, the National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement regarding the situation noting that they had launched investigations.
The statement from the Office of the Inspector-General noted that the Turkana County Security team, in collaboration with Ethiopian security authorities, are on the ground verifying reports of the incident and working to establish the cause of the conflict.
The authorities said they were working to establish the cause of the conflict so as to take the necessary action in accordance with the law.
“Earlier today, the National Police Service received information regarding an alleged clash between Turkana and Dasanach fishermen at Lopemukat Common Waters, which lies along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. The Turkana County Security team, in collaboration with Ethiopian security authorities, is on the ground to verify the reports and take necessary action in accordance with the law.” The statement read.
The NPS also urged the affected communities to remain calm and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions. “As a Service, we remain committed to our mandate of maintaining law and order.”
By Christine Muchira
