IG Kanja leads security talks in Moyale after Kenyan killed in Ethiopia clashes

Police have confirmed the death of one Kenyan in the crossfire, although residents claim the actual death toll could be higher.

Fear and uncertainty continue to grip Moyale along the Kenya-Ethiopia border as fighting rages on the Ethiopian side between armed groups from the Oromo and Somali communities.

Police have confirmed the death of one Kenyan in the crossfire, although residents claim the actual death toll could be higher. Meanwhile, the number of people fleeing the violence into Kenya in search of safety has risen to 50,000.

During a visit to Moyale, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja sought to reassure residents of their security, saying the government was pursuing diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution and end the fighting.

Kanja chaired a high-level security meeting bringing together senior security officials, the Kenya Red Cross and humanitarian agencies to assess the deteriorating security situation following continued clashes on the Ethiopian side of the border.

The meeting focused on the urgent need to restore security and stability along the border as the fighting continues to raise concerns among communities on both sides.

Kanja said gunfire had been reported both day and night since the clashes began on October 22.

The government has officially confirmed the death of one Kenyan, a 65-year-old woman who was reportedly struck by a stray bullet fired from the Ethiopian side. However, local residents claim the actual death toll could be higher.

“Hofu yetu imekuwa marisasi na grenade zinaanguka huku. Watu wamekufa, wengine wamejeruhiwa," Moyale resident Shamsiyya Abdullahi said.

Three weeks since fighting erupted between armed groups from the Oromo and Somali communities, Kenya continues to receive people fleeing the violence.

More than 50,000 people fleeing the conflict are now being hosted in over seven camps, while others have found shelter among local communities.

Kanja commended humanitarian agencies for supporting those displaced by the fighting, saying the government was prioritising the restoration of security to allow normalcy to return to the border region.

“The humanitarian agencies have done well. I want to ensure security is restored so that peace can prevail," IG Kanja noted.

The conflict has also disrupted cross-border transport, leaving scores of truck drivers stranded in Ethiopia with cargo destined for Kenya.

Meanwhile, trailers headed to Ethiopia remain parked on the Kenyan side of the border as insecurity continues to paralyse movement between the two countries.