Dj Vnyash
The death toll from a gun attack at the Kenya-Ethiopia border has risen to eight after another victim succumbed to injuries, according to officials.
Out of the ten people who were on board the lorry targeted in the Monday night attack, only two survived.
The attack occurred along the Kenya-Ethiopia border at Elledimtu on the Forolle-Turbi Road when unidentified assailants ambushed a vehicle transporting food supplies from Nairobi to Dukana.
The lorry was carrying 10 passengers at the time of the incident.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, alongside local leaders, strongly condemned the attack, confirming that eight of the ten passengers were shot dead, and both the victims’ bodies and the lorry were set on fire.
One passenger was severely injured, while a minor managed to escape unscathed.
“On behalf of the people of Marsabit, we, the leaders, strongly condemn these heinous acts and extend our condolences to the families, friends, and relatives of the deceased,” the governor said.
In the aftermath of the attack, police reported that the lorry burst into flames, destroying 80 bags of 100 kg maize, 60 iron sheets, 5 drums of 200 litres of diesel, 3 bundles of 2×4 timber, and other valuable goods.
Detectives who investigated the scene found 157 spent 7.62 mm special cartridges.
The governor and other local leaders expressed their outrage over the ongoing violence, kidnappings, and destruction of property along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
Two foreign nationals, identified as missionaries, went missing after being kidnapped in the area on Monday night, according to police.
Governor Mohamud Ali mentioned that on August 9, 2024, a bulldozer belonging to Ethiopia was burned down by unknown militia at the Golole border between Kenya and Ethiopia. The attackers were reportedly dressed in military-style uniforms, with locals claiming they had crossed from Ethiopia.
The leaders called on the national government, through the State Department of Interior, to take urgent action to stop the violence and restore peace and stability along the border.
“We reiterate that, like all other Kenyans, the residents along the border deserve to live in peace and harmony,” the governor added.
Other leaders demanding action included Senator Mohamed Chute, Woman Representative Naomi Waqo, MPs Wario Adhe (North Horr), Joseph Lekuton (Laisamis), Prof Guyo Waqo (Moyale), and Dido Ali Raso (Saku).
Eastern Regional Police Commander Charles Naibei said the motive behind the attack is still unclear. He stated that all relevant parties have been involved in addressing the situation.
Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatanni blamed the attack on a militia group from a neighboring country.
Tensions in the area have escalated, with locals calling on security agencies to address the ongoing threat.
Police have dispatched additional teams to the area to prevent further attacks.
This incident marks the second attack in two weeks, bringing the total number of deaths to ten, including a police officer.
On August 1, a police officer was killed, and three others, including a civilian, were seriously injured in an attack at a checkpoint in the Sessi area of Moyale town, Marsabit County.
Officials reported that the attack occurred at a roadblock leading to the main Kenya-Ethiopia border.
A civilian woman, believed to be a revenue clerk with the county government, was also critically wounded in the attack, which was carried out by suspects armed with grenades and assault rifles.
The attackers arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire on the multi-agency team manning the roadblock leading to the Ethiopian border.
According to police and witnesses, the attackers also threw two grenades at the team, but they failed to detonate.
Police suspect the attackers could be smugglers or terrorists attempting to establish a presence in the area. They could also be criminals from the Ethiopian side, according to police.
The Moyale-Marsabit highway is a key route for human and drug smugglers.
Police have stated that roadblocks on this route have been effective in curbing crimes, including terrorism.
