Tension high at Kenya-Ethiopia border

By Lucas Ng’asike

Tension is high in the volatile Todonyang area of Turkana North District as Merille militia from Ethiopia continued to launch attacks on Kenyan security forces manning the border.

Two days ago, militiamen from Ethiopia tried to cross into the Kenyan territory with their cattle.

Sources say security personnel from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) and the General Service Unit (GSU) responded in which a shootout ensued.

Aid agencies however said for the last three months despite the deployment of security personnel on the Kenya-Ethiopia border, the militias have made several attempts to cross over.

It is estimated that more than 3,000 have been displaced from their homes in Todonyang following the attack from the militia killing more than 5o residents.

"We are fear returning to our homes since militia could attack us again. We want to be assured of our security," Osman, one of the displaced, said.

Turkana North district Commissioner Jack Obuo said adequate security personnel have been deployed to beef up security at the border.

"We have been to the area and I can confirm that our securities are alert to contain the situation," Obuo said.

The DC said the flooding of River Omo has displaced the Merille from their grazing fields, the reason for their attempt to cross to Kenya to graze their animals.