Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced plans to arm police reservists following a deadly attack by suspected Ethiopian militia that left several Kenyan fishermen dead. The attack took place at Todonyang, a border area in Turkana County, near the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
Speaking on Monday, February 24, after visiting the affected area, Murkomen reassured residents that the government had put in place both immediate and long-term measures to strengthen security along Kenya’s borders. He also met with the bereaved families to offer condolences and support.
The CS explained that National Police Reservists, who assist regular police in maintaining security, would now receive better equipment and incentives to help them tackle threats posed by militias and criminal groups.
Police reservists in Kenya have long complained about poor working conditions, with one of their biggest concerns being the lack of proper compensation since they serve voluntarily alongside regular police officers.
This issue was also highlighted in January 2025, when camel herders in Isiolo County held a peaceful demonstration in Isiolo town. The herders urged the government to speed up efforts to arm police reservists, expressing fear that their communities were vulnerable to attacks from heavily armed enemies.
Many police reservists in remote and high-risk areas have faced challenges due to inadequate equipment, making it difficult for them to effectively protect their communities.
To address this, Murkomen stated that the government would not only arm the reservists but also improve their overall welfare. Additionally, he announced plans to establish more border security posts to curb cross-border attacks.
The CS further directed the National Police Service (NPS) to work closely with Ethiopian security agencies to track down all Kenyans affected by the attack. Reports on Monday revealed that at least 22 Kenyans were still missing following the violent assault.
The attack, which was reportedly carried out by the Dassanech militia, saw armed men ambush and open fire on Turkana fishermen in Lake Turkana, near River Omo.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the National Police Service issued a strong warning to local communities in Turkana, urging them not to engage in retaliatory attacks.
The government has assured residents that security operations will be intensified to prevent further violence and ensure justice for the victims.
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