8 arrested as police intensify search for South Koreans kidnapped in Moyale

The incident, which occurred on the night of August 12, 2024, involved two armed assailants who raided Odda Mission Secondary School where the victims were staying.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects fled the scene on motorbikes, heading towards Funanyatta along the Marsabit-Moyale Highway while firing shots. A rapid multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched immediately. 

As a result, eight suspects have since been apprehended, including six Ethiopian nationals. The suspects were presented before the Moyale Principal Magistrate’s Court on August 13, 2024, and have been granted a 10-day custodial order to facilitate ongoing investigations.

Security forces recovered three cartridges from the crime scene, which have been forwarded to the DCI Forensic Lab for ballistic analysis.

On Thursday, Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Gilbert Masengeli, visited the scene of the abduction accompanied by area Member of Parliament, Prof. Jaldesa Guyo Waqo, and senior security officials including the Commandant of the GSU, Mr. Ranson Lolmodooni; the Director of the Anti-Terror Police Unit, Mr. Said Kiprotich; and the Border Police Unit Commandant, Isaac Alimaa.

During a briefing with regional and county security teams, Mr. Masengeli emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation between multi-agency security teams and the public. He urged local residents to provide any information that could assist in resolving the case and securing the safe return of the hostages.

DCI Mr. Mohamed Amin echoed the call for collaborative efforts, stressing the need for unified action to ensure the hostages are safely recovered.

The National Police Service has appealed to anyone with relevant information about the abduction to contact the DCI’s toll-free number 0800 722 203, or to reach out through the NPS hotline numbers 999/112/911, or the nearest police station.