Over 20 still missing after deadly attack on fisherfolk at Kenya-Ethiopia border

According to the Kenya Red Cross, eight people have so far been rescued from the troubled waters and reunited with their families, while expert divers on specialized boats continue a search and recovery mission. 

One week after the deadly attack in Todonyang, Turkana North, the Kenya Red Cross has intensified its efforts in Lake Turkana, rescuing eight people who were reportedly hiding in the reeds within the lake out of fear following the attack. 

Venant Ndighila, the head of disaster management operations at the Kenya Red Cross, confirmed that more than 20 people remain missing, with families anxiously awaiting updates from the expert divers deployed from a multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Maritime Authority, and the Kenya Coast Guard. 

The Kenya Red Cross further revealed that it has been collaborating with the Ethiopian Red Cross in the ongoing operation while calling for increased humanitarian intervention. 

The community around Todonyang has yet to resume their fishing activities due to the mounting tension in the area. 

This update comes three days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that two bodies had been recovered following the attack. 

During his visit to the area, the CS hinted at plans for long-term interventions to address the recurring clashes between the Turkana and Dassanech communities, including the proper documentation of residents living in the border town. 

"Ninataka niwahakikishie kwamba ni mambo tunatilia maanani kwa sababu hii iko kwa wizara yangu. Nitahakikisha kwamba tumeanza mipango ya kufungua hapa kituo cha mpaka tujue nani ameingia Kenya na nani ametoka. Hilo ndilo jambo nitahakikisha nimezingatia," said Murkomen.

The multi-agency search and recovery operation remains ongoing. Reports indicate that the attack in Todonyang was a retaliatory act following the killing of three Dassanech fishermen in a dispute over fishing waters along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. 

The Kenya Red Cross has engaged with the Ethiopian Red Cross to complement community engagement. 

The government has supported 100 households with food assistance; however, there is a need for more support.