Four fishermen killed by suspected Merile militia in Todonyang

Turkana North Deputy County Commissioner George Ochieng and police officers at the scene where four fishermen were killed by suspected Merile militia along Lake Turkana in Todonyang, on May 15, 2025. [Rashid Lorogoi, Standard]

At least four fishermen were killed following an ambush by suspected Merile militia near Lake Turkana at Todonyang, Turkana North, along the border of Kenya and Ethiopia.

The incident occurred on Thursday at around 4 am while the fishermen were repairing their nets along Lake Turkana.

Reports indicate that the fishermen were killed between the GSU camp and RDU.

Tension is high in Todonyang border point following the attack.

Turkana county leaders have condemned the incident and urged the government to move with speed and beef up the security along the Kenya and Ethiopia border.

The Turkana North deputy County Commissioner Geroge Ochieng said that the bodies were removed to Lodwar mortuary.

Ochieng said that security personnel have been deployed along the border to prevent more attacks.

In February, 20 fishermen were killed by suspected militia from Ethiopia at Todonyang border and their nets and boats stolen.

Heavily armed Dassanech militia from neighbouring Ethiopia reportedly ambushed fishermen on Lake Turkana, indiscriminately opening fire.

The incident occurred at Lopeimukat and Natira along the Kenya-Ethiopia border near River Omo.

A local police reservist suspected that the incident could be linked to a retaliatory attack after a notorious bandit, wanted by security agencies for a spate of murders along Lake Turkana, shot dead three Dassanech fishermen in Lake Turkana on Saturday morning.

A reservist said they counted at least 20 bodies on the ground while a significant number of casualties had not been traced.