Moyale:Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured residents of Moyale and the broader Marsabit County of heightened security measures following the increased violence in neighboring Moyale, Ethiopia. The conflict has led to thousands of individuals seeking refuge across the border in Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kanja, during a security assessment visit to Moyale, stated that security teams have been deployed to the border to monitor the situation, prevent criminal activities, and safeguard residents from the spillover effects of the conflict. The fighting, which began on October 22, 2026, has caused daily gunfire, resulting in thousands of Ethiopian nationals seeking refuge in Kenya, with some finding shelter in local communities and others in schools and public institutions.
Approximately 10,000 displaced individuals are currently residing in temporary shelters and public institutions around Moyale. Humanitarian agencies are actively providing emergency assistance. Tragically, two women have died from stray bullets, one from Kenya and another from Ethiopia, while several others have sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment in various facilities in Kenya.
The government is collaborating with Ethiopian authorities to resolve the conflict and ensure the safe return of displaced families. Kanja emphasized the importance of a swift resolution to prevent further casualties and injuries resulting from stray bullets. The conflict has disrupted cross-border trade, affecting the movement of goods and services, and caused electricity shortages in Moyale due to the reliance on Ethiopian electricity supply.
Kanja praised the efforts of the Moyale Sub-County Security Committee, whose collaboration with county and regional security teams has helped maintain stability. He was joined by key security officials, including Director of Criminal Investigations Mohammed Amin and Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma Muganda, during his visit.
Kanja also called on humanitarian organizations to extend assistance to displaced individuals hosted by local families, as many host households are struggling to meet their basic needs. He urged development partners to provide additional resources such as food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to vulnerable families hosting refugees.
