Crackdown launched against Oromo militia hiding in Kenya

Kenyan police are pursuing a crackdown against members of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) accused of criminal activities in Marsabit and Isiolo counties.

It is believed OLA has found a safe haven in Kenya where the outfit traffics illegal arms and narcotics, engages in human smuggling, deals in contraband goods, conducts cross-border incursions, carries out illegal mining, instigates tribal conflicts and kidnaps for ransom.

OLA has its roots in neighbouring Ethiopia where it is considered to be a terrorist group. Kenya has now launched an offensive targeting members who have hideouts in Sololo, North Horr and Merti sub counties, according to Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli who is leading the onslaught dubbed Operation Ondoa Jangili that started on January 3, 2025.

"The militia group has taken advantage of close family and cultural ties between the Borana in Kenya and Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide among the populations in Marsabit and Isiolo counties, and continue to commit atrocities causing untold suffering to communities living along the Kenya-Ethiopia border who have endured intimidation, forceful takeover of property and sexual assault against women and girls," said Inspector General Douglas Kanja.

This is not the first time Kenya is seeking to flush out the militia accused of brewing trouble in the country. In April 2022, the government declared a dawn to dusk curfew that lasted one month.

Then Interior CS Fred Matiang'i the curfew was necessary since government had established that there was a nexus between proliferation of illegal ammunition in Marsabit and mining activities in neigbouring Isiolo.

"Illegal mining activities are going on that seem to be finding some of the conflicts in Marsbit. I must say candidly here, we think some resources are being channeled to terrorist cells," said Matiang'i.

Kanja in a statement said they have launched the first phase of operation in the two counties to flush out the OLA criminals in targeted areas.

"In the spirit of community policing, we appeal to the local communities in the aforementioned operation areas to remain claim and co-operate with the National Police Service. We reiterate our commitment to serve and protect all persons and their property," said the police chief.

Masengeli said the crackdown was going on well, and that they had been able to make some arrests and recoveries.

"I am currently on the ground leading the operation that seeks to pacify the target areas, which are being used by the criminals to carry out illegal enterprises," he said.