IG Kanja in race to contain spillover violence in Moyale

Marsabit County and Moyale sub-county security committees led by County Commissioner Stanley Kamande visit Ethiopians who fled tribal clashes in makeshift camps in Moyale on October 24, 2026. [Ali Abdi, Standard]

The security situation in Moyale remained tense after two people were hit by stray bullets near Moyale Police Station on Wednesday.

Fozia Adan Mohammed, 20, who had two bullets lodged in her back, was rushed to Taqwa Nursing Home Hospital.

Fozia, a resident of Biashara area, fell unconscious, prompting relatives to take her to hospital, where the bullets were removed. The victim was at their home going about her chores when she was hit by the bullets at around noon. 

The incident left locals worried about safety as fighting across the border escalated. Over the past few days, stray bullets and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) have been flying over to Moyale town, which is currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis following the influx of Ethiopians fleeing the inter-clan clashes. 

Sub-County Police Commander George Kipkoros said the two were hit metres from the location where Amina Guchi was killed on Monday after being struck by a stray bullet.

Heavy gunfire was also reported overnight in Ethiopian Moyale, with residents describing an intense exchange of fire that lasted for about an hour. The latest fighting has raised fresh concerns over the safety of civilians in the border town and surrounding areas as the conflict continues.

Following security concerns, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin landed in the tensed border town on Thursday for a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing situation.

Accompanying Kanja were General Service Unit Commandant Johana Tonui and Director of Operations at the Kenya Police Service Philip Opiyo, among other senior officers.

The visit comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the fighting on Kenyan residents, public institutions and the thousands of displaced people being hosted in Moyale.

Safety fears have heightened following the rising injuries and damage caused by stray bullets and RPGs fired from the Ethiopian side.

The fight broke out on October 18, 2026, between the Oromo and Somali communities over a long-standing territorial dispute and scramble for water and grazing land.

The contest, which has since escalated, was triggered by the establishment of a new regional administrative office and the subsequent raising of the Somali regional flag in the disputed area.

The conflict has since spilled over to the Kenyan side where, apart from the daily influx of Ethiopians, Amina has been killed while more than 20 Kenyans have been injured, with the latest victim being Fozia.

Amina was interacting with a security officer at the Marsabit County offices when the stray bullet struck her in the back of the head. She collapsed and was rushed to Moyale Sub-County Referral Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The prevailing situation has seriously disrupted education activities in the border town, forcing local authorities to relocate candidates siting for their exams.

Authorities estimate that 50,000 people have so far crossed over into Kenya amid reports of further influx of refugees. 

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has deployed an emergency team to Moyale while working closely with the Kenyan government and other humanitarian partners to support the national and local response initiatives.

Meanwhile, the agency is mobilising emergency relief supplies, including essential household items and temporary shelter materials.

“We are also working with the authorities and partners to identify safer accommodation options, further away from the border, for those fleeing violence,” said UNHCR in a statement on Wednesday.