“The government has deployed additional security personnel along the Kenya-Ethiopia border following the unfortunate incident last evening involving Kenyan citizens and members of the Dassanech community from Ethiopia in the Lopeimukat area,” Murkomen stated.
Police Warn Against Retaliatory Attacks
The National Police Service (NPS) also issued a strong warning to Turkana residents, urging them not to engage in revenge attacks. They emphasized that authorities were working closely with Ethiopian security teams to verify the details of the attack and take appropriate action.
“Earlier today, the National Police Service received reports of a violent clash between Turkana and Dassanech fishermen at Lopemukat’s shared fishing waters. Security teams from Turkana, in collaboration with Ethiopian authorities, are already on the ground conducting investigations and taking necessary measures as per the law,” read the statement from the NPS.
The police further urged affected communities to remain calm and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions. “We call upon all members of the affected communities to maintain peace and uphold law and order as investigations continue,” the statement added.
Details of the Attack
The deadly attack reportedly occurred on the evening of Saturday, February 22, near River Omo. Witness accounts indicate that five fishing boats were ambushed, with all occupants on board losing their lives.
According to security sources, heavily armed Dassanech militia from Ethiopia are believed to be responsible for the assault. While the exact reasons behind the attack remain unclear, sources from Turkana strongly believe it was a retaliatory act following the earlier killing of three Dassanech community members on the same day.
Leaders Call for Swift Action
Confirming the attack, Turkana North Member of Parliament Ekwon Nabuin described the situation as extremely dire, calling for urgent intervention.
“The situation is very bad, and urgent action is needed to rescue our people. The massacre is happening on Kenyan soil, and we cannot allow our people to be attacked by heavily armed militias,” Nabuin stated.
The government and security agencies have vowed to bring those responsible to justice while ensuring the safety of residents along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
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