The number of Ethiopians who have fled into Moyale, Kenya, due to ongoing clashes in the neighboring country has exceeded 50,000, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported.
The number of people displaced by the conflict between Oromia and Somali regional forces and militias has grown from around 40,000 over the weekend as the conflict entered its eighth day.
In a statement on Thursday morning, the UN Refugee Agency said that the numbers are continuing to grow amid reports of further crossings.
“Many of those fleeing are women and children,” it said.
While some are staying with relatives and host communities, others have sought shelter in temporary locations such as schools and churches.
"The most urgent needs are food, safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation and healthcare,” the agency stated.
Moyale Deputy County Commissioner Benedict Munywoki told the Daily Nation that more people were crossing into Kenya following sporadic exchanges of gunfire.
“On Wednesday, there were many displaced people on the streets of Moyale town as more people fled into Kenya. It was calm overnight, but the sound of gunfire could be heard on Thursday afternoon. Humanitarian agencies are conducting a rapid assessment to establish the current number of refugees,” said Mr Munywoki.
The UNHCR said that its emergency team is working closely with the Kenyan Department of Refugee Services (DRS), the Marsabit County Government, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), as well as other humanitarian agencies.
Ethiopian sit at a holding ground after fights erupted in the Ethiopian border town of Moyale, Kenya, October 23, 2026.
Photo credit: Reuters
“We are mobilising emergency relief supplies, including essential household items and materials for temporary shelters, to support nearly 12,000 people. Efforts are underway to increase assistance as needs grow. UNHCR is also supporting ongoing assessments of protection and humanitarian needs,” the agency stated.
The agency said that efforts are ongoing to relocate camps away from the border to ensure the safety of refugees.
According to the Deputy County Commissioner, stray bullets remain a major concern for people living near the border.
Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande said that security has been increased in all camps around Moyale town and along the border.
“The police and the Kenya Defence Forces are patrolling the town and the border around the clock to ensure everyone’s security. We assure all Kenyans that Marsabit County is peaceful, and that the local communities are very welcoming,” said Mr Kamande.
Following protests over inflammatory remarks allegedly made by Kenyans, Mr Kamande said that seven individuals had been identified for investigation.
“We urge Kenyans not to use social media to make reckless statements. These seven individuals are suspected of spreading hatred and inciting intercommunal conflict via social media. Once the investigations are complete, the law will take its course,” said the county commissioner.
Meanwhile, Isiolo Muslim preachers have called for Kenya and Ethiopia to collaborate in addressing the ongoing conflict near the border.
Waso Ulama league Chairman Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulkadir urged President William Ruto and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to work together in resolving the clashes as it was already impacting Kenya.
“We ask the two leaders to move in and promote dialogue among the warring parties to prevent the conflict from spilling into Kenya. We call for cessation of hostilities and urge the two groups to embrace dialogue,” Mr Abdulkadir said.
They also called on the government to ensure the safety of drivers, businesspeople and travelers using the Nairobi-Moyale Road.
