Todonyang attack: Kenya, Ethiopia launch search for missing fishermen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. [File, Standard]

Kenyan and Ethiopian authorities have launched a joint search and rescue operation for missing fishermen and 15 boats following a cross-border attack in Todonyang, Turkana County.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in a statement on Wednesday, February 26 said diplomatic talks between the two countries allowed Kenyan teams full access to the Ethiopian side to locate those unaccounted for.

"Security teams from Kenya and Ethiopia have gained access to the incident area and are actively searching for the missing persons and boats," said Murkomen. "The government is committed to ensuring all missing persons are accounted for and normalcy is restored."

The attack on February 22, targeted Kenyan fishermen on Lake Turkana. Authorities suspect Dassanech militia from Ethiopia were behind the incident.

Poor communication on the Ethiopian side delayed information about the attack reaching Kenyan officials until late at night. Local security teams in Turkana immediately launched efforts to assess the situation.

A reporting desk was set up at the Todonyang General Service Unit camp on Sunday, February 23, for residents to report missing persons.

Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita, alongside security officials, engaged Ethiopian authorities, who later agreed to grant access for a search operation.

Murkomen, alongside East African Community Affairs and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, Turkana Senator James Lomenen, Turkana North Member of Parliament Ekwom Nabuin, and other officials, visited the area on Monday, February 24.

A team led by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan was formed to negotiate with Ethiopian officials to facilitate access.

By Tuesday, February 25, diplomatic discussions in Nairobi resulted in an agreement, allowing full access to the Kenyan search team. On Wednesday, the operation began on Ethiopian territory.

Murkomen urged patience, stating the government would provide updates as the search continued. "We stand with the families of those affected and appeal for calm," he said. "Efforts are ongoing to restore security in the area."

The government is engaging Ethiopian authorities to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of fishermen operating in the border region.