Government to Arm Police Reservists After Deadly Attack in Turkana
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced plans to equip police reservists with firearms following a deadly attack by suspected Ethiopian militia.
The attack, which occurred along the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Todonyang, Turkana County, claimed the lives of several Kenyan fishermen.
Speaking on Monday, February 24, after visiting the affected region, Murkomen expressed the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity along Kenya’s borders.
He assured residents that both short-term and long-term measures were being put in place to prevent further attacks.
“National Police Reservists, who play a crucial role in supporting regular security forces, will now receive better weapons and improved incentives to help them combat armed militias and criminal groups,” Murkomen stated.
For years, police reservists have raised concerns about their welfare, highlighting the lack of proper compensation despite their role in supplementing regular police officers.
This issue was particularly evident in Isiolo County in January 2025, when hundreds of camel herders staged a peaceful demonstration in Isiolo town.
The herders urged the government to speed up the process of arming police reservists, fearing attacks from well-armed rival groups.
Reservists in remote and high-risk areas have often found themselves outmatched by criminals due to inadequate equipment. Many have been left vulnerable in conflicts involving heavily armed gangs, making it difficult for them to protect communities effectively.
To address these security gaps, Murkomen revealed that the government would establish more border posts to enhance surveillance and response capabilities.
Additionally, efforts would be made to improve the welfare of police reservists, ensuring they have the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively.
The Interior CS further directed the leadership of the National Police Service (NPS) to work closely with Ethiopian security officials in locating all missing Kenyans affected by the attack.
Reports indicate that at least 22 Kenyans remain unaccounted for following the deadly cross-border assault.
The attack is suspected to have been carried out by members of the Dassanech militia, who ambushed and fired upon Turkana fishermen near Lake Turkana, close to River Omo.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service on Sunday issued a strong warning to local communities in Turkana, urging them not to engage in retaliatory attacks.
Authorities emphasized the need for law and order to be maintained as security agencies handle the situation.
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