More than 20 Kenyans Killed by Ethiopian Militia Group

More than 20 Kenyans have been killed in an attack by suspected Dassanech militia from Ethiopia at the Todonyang border point along Lake Turkana.

Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita has confirmed the fatal attack, which occurred on Saturday, February 22 around 5 pm, took place at Lopeimukat and Natira near River Omo. 

According to security officers, the heavily armed militia ambushed the fishermen as they were casting their nets in the lake, opening fire indiscriminately.

Further, a local police reservist linked the attack to a possible act of revenge after a notorious bandit, wanted by security forces for a string of murders along the lake, allegedly shot dead three Dassanech fishermen earlier that morning.

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How the Fishermen Were Ambushed

Preliminary reports indicated that five boats carrying Kenyan fishermen on a fishing expedition were ambushed on Lake Turkana, with all those on board allegedly killed in the attack.

At the same time, eyewitnesses noted that the aftermath was horrifying, with bodies scattered along the lakeshore.

Security teams and local reservists counted at least 20 dead, while several others remained missing, raising fears that the death toll could be higher.

According to locals, efforts to locate survivors and retrieve bodies were still ongoing on Sunday, February 23 morning.

“We are verifying facts and working with all relevant agencies to ensure calm is restored,” he said.

Additionally, the assailants reportedly seized boats and fishing gear belonging to the fishermen.

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Survivors of the Attack Under Protection

According to a report by The Standard, there were unconfirmed reports that some survivors had been rescued and were under the protection of the Lopeimukat local chief, awaiting evacuation by Kenyan security personnel.

By Saturday evening, at least nine people remained trapped in the reeds, sending calls for help.

A local marine security officer revealed that a lack of petrol for the speedboat in Todonyang had hindered rescue and recovery efforts.

“Rescue operations are being delayed by fuel shortages in Todonyang and the onset of darkness. We urge volunteers to provide petrol to support the response,” the officer said.

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