Police urge calm in Turkana after deadly attack

Turkana security team led by county Commissioner Julius Kavita in Todonyang along Kenya- Ethiopia border. [Rashid Lorogoi, Standard]

Police have heightened security at the Kenya-Ethiopia border following the deaths of more than 20 fishermen on Saturday at Todoyang near Lake Turkana.

While addressing the media on Sunday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said police had been deployed and succesfully quailed the tension.

“The Government has deployed additional security along the Kenya-Ethiopia border following last evening’s incident involving Kenyan citizens and Dassanech community members of Ethiopia in Lopeimukat area,” said Murkomen.successfully

The ministry has initiated discussions with the Ethiopian government to mediate peace between the two communities.

The National Police has also reported the incident as an alleged clash between the Turkana and Dasanach fishermen at Lopemukat Common Waters.

NPS said; “The Turkana County Security team, in collaboration with Ethiopian security authorities, is on the ground to verify the reports and take necessary action in accordance with the law”.

Police have urged residents to remain calm as they conduct their duties to prevent escalating the situation.

So far, the ministry has not provided clear data on casualties, however, reports suggest that the death toll may rise as efforts continue to locate some missing fishermen.