22 people missing after deadly Turkana attack on Kenya-Ethiopia border
About 22 people have been reported missing following a deadly attack by suspected Dassenech militia on Turkana fishermen and pastoralists.
This is according to State authorities speaking on the attack that occurred at Lopeimukat village, on the Kenya-Ethiopia border, on Saturday evening.
Turkana North Deputy County Commissioner George Orina, who was part of a Kenyan delegation comprising National Government administrators, political leaders and Turkana County government officials, said that they were unable to access the scene and opted to engage with survivors for details.
"So far, 16 boats have been accounted for, 1 gun and 1 motorbike. 22 individuals (fishermen and pastoralists) remain missing and unaccounted for," he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen when he arrived in Todonyang on the Kenya-Ethiopia border following Saturday's killing of Turkana residents.
Kenyan security agencies held a meeting with their Ethiopian counterparts on Sunday afternoon to see how to access the scene to rescue survivors and retrieve bodies.
"We left body bags for the dead in case they get any before we resume operations on Monday," he said.
The Kenya Red Cross team was also on the ground to offer psychological support to survivors.
How it started
Security officers at Todonyang village, along the shores of Lake Turkana, after deadly attacks on the Kenya and Ethiopia border on February 22, 2025.
According to Todonyang Location Chief Eraman Ekale, trouble started on Saturday afternoon when an armed group from Turkana shot dead three people from the Dassenech/Merille community at Nang'orikitoe, on the Kenyan shores, in unclear circumstances.
"In retaliation, an agitated group from the Dassenech community went after innocent Kenyan fishermen at Lopeimakamate and Cess who had no prior information about the killings. By 5pm, I was informed that there are about seven boats at Lopeimukat whose occupants were missing. We are yet to confirm the deaths," Mr Ekale said.
Security agencies can't authoritatively state how many people were killed in the attack.
"We couldn't access the scene at night due to tensions and its remoteness. This was worsened by swelling of the lake. I have this morning mobilised Sub-County security officials and we are heading there," Mr Orina said on Sunday.
Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin and his Turkana South counterpart, Ariko Namoit, insist that at least 20 people from the local community were killed.
"We have received shocking reports indicating that over 20 fishermen were brutally murdered...allegedly by the Dassanech community from Ethiopia. The actual number may be higher," Mr Nabuin said in a statement posted on social media.
The area MP urged rescuers to move fast to find survivors
"A massacre is occurring on Kenyan soil by well-armed Ethiopian militia," Mr Nabuin stated.
Dr Namoit said that the government must take constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
"I urge the Ministry of Interior and National Administration led by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to move with speed and act swiftly regarding the killings...these killings undermine borderline peace," the Turkana South MP said.
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