Three suspects linked to Kenya - Ethiopia border attacks arrested

Kenyan authorities at the Kenya - Ethiopia border town of Dukana in North Horr Constituency, Marsabit County, have arrested four people linked to the two recent separate attacks at Bales-Saru and Dillo areas.

The attacks led to the killings of four people, three Ethiopian nationals and a 15-year-old Kenyan, leading to a series of peace meetings spearheaded by peace actors and local administrators.

The security personnel are also expected to take four guns recovered during the operation for ballistic examination.

A week ago, assailants believed to be from Dillo in Ethiopia attacked a Kenyan teenager at Bales-Saru, causing retaliatory attacks that left three more dead, goats and donkeys stolen.

Dukana Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Charo Katana said the suspects are helping the authorities in pursuit of others believed to be part of the gang pitting Gabra and Borana communities against each other.

“These three individuals we are detaining are helping us with information to search for their colleagues in crime as we also undertake more investigations to ascertain the intention behind the unwarranted attacks leading to deaths and theft,” said Mr. Katana.

During a peace meeting involving security agencies from Kenya and Ethiopia, the DCC underscored the willingness from the relevant authorities to restore normalcy among the two pastoralist communities.

These joint security operations have led to the recovery of 556 goats out of 900 stolen, and another 44 donkeys against 51 stolen during the attacks.

“We have managed to recover some animals stolen and still our officers are searching for the remaining and returning them to the owners,” Mr. Katana said.

The DCC however pleaded with the communities to be honest when recording the exact number of livestock stolen.

"Let us be truthful when recording statements on the number of animals driven away during such attacks. Initially we were told the figure was at 1,700 but later learnt it was 900," he stated.

He also reaffirmed the undivided support provided by key peace actors and community elders with coordination from the county government of Marsabit.

The local administrators equally encouraged the political leaders from both countries to be part of the peace process.

Representing the county department of cohesion, Chief Officer Tache Elema called on the two communities to embrace dialogue for peace, love and unity.

“We are one people and we really ought to share our little available resources with each other and be our brothers’ keepers,” said Elema.

“I assure both representatives of Gabra and Borana communities that we will not tire to walk together in this journey.”

Community elders echoed their sentiments emphasizing on the need for a lasting peace for realization of meaningful development amongst the pastoralists communities along the Kenya - Ethiopia border.