Kenya has heightened security along its border with Ethiopia following a violent clash between Ethiopian and Kenyan fishermen on the Omo River, which has left several people missing.
The altercation involved members of the Turkana community from Kenya and the Dassanech community from Ethiopia, both of whom rely on fishing as a key economic activity. The incident has sparked concerns among the affected communities.
Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen addressed the situation, expressing deep anxiety over the missing individuals. “More than twenty people are unaccounted for. If they were found dead or injured, it would be easier to handle than this uncertainty. Not knowing whether they are alive or dead creates immense anxiety,” he said.
The Kenyan government has confirmed it is working closely with Ethiopian authorities to locate the missing persons. Murkomen emphasized the collaborative efforts, stating, “The Regional Commissioner is here with us. We are deploying a team led by the County Commissioner to travel to Ethiopia tomorrow to engage local officials. Our priority is to find and recover our people.”
Beyond the immediate crisis, the government is taking steps to prevent future conflicts. Murkomen announced plans to establish a border post to regulate cross-border movements and enhance security. “We will conduct thorough checks on everyone entering Kenya to prevent such clashes and maintain peace in the region,” he said.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging calm as search efforts intensify.
Africanews/Patience Ameh
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