Synopsis
On February 23, 2023, a tragic attack by suspected Ethiopian militiamen resulted in the deaths of 20 Kenyan fishermen in the Todonyang border area near Lake Turkana. This incident escalates tensions in a region already fraught with conflict.Key Takeaways
- At least 20 Kenyan fishermen killed.
- Attack carried out by Ethiopian militia.
- Retaliation for earlier killings.
- Militia seized boats and gear.
- Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift launched for security.
Nairobi, Feb 23 (NationPress) At least 20 Kenyan fishermen lost their lives on Saturday night due to an attack by suspected Ethiopian militiamen in the Todonyang border region adjacent to Lake Turkana in northwestern Kenya, as confirmed by government officials and eyewitnesses on Sunday.
The armed militia, belonging to the Dassanech tribe from Ethiopia, targeted areas near the Omo River, indiscriminately firing at individuals who were fishing during the attack, which has escalated tensions between the two nations.
Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita acknowledged the incident but was unable to provide an accurate death toll, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
“Indeed, there was an attack. We have received reports of casualties, and we are working to verify details on the ground before releasing information,” Kavita told Xinhua via telephone.
A local police reservist, speaking anonymously, stated that he had counted 20 bodies at the site after responding to the attack.
“The remains are scattered along the lake. There are also reports of other fishermen being unaccounted for,” the reservist informed Xinhua.
This incident is believed to be a retaliatory strike following the killing of three Dassanech fishermen from Ethiopia by suspected Turkana bandits near the Omo River on Saturday morning.
Survivors recounted that five boats engaged in fishing were ambushed by the Dassanech tribesmen.
“Following the assault, the militia took control of the boats and fishing equipment before fleeing to the Ethiopian territory,” said Eric Ekal, a survivor of the attack.
Kenyan marine security personnel, deployed to patrol Lake Turkana, reported that darkness hindered their efforts to pursue the assailants and recover the stolen equipment.
Todonyang is recognized as a prime fishing area along the border, yet it remains a conflict zone for fishermen from both Kenya and Ethiopia.
Initiated in February 2023, Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift is a government-led security initiative aimed at curbing rising banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties including Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
To bolster governance and enhance service delivery, the government has established 126 new administrative units across Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Laikipia counties.
