Unexploded grenades, stray bullets put Marsabit border communities at risk

By Nangori Silvio

Two people have died and 22 others injured by stray bullets on the Kenyan side of the border, according to Marsabit Governor, as fighting in Moyale, Ethiopia, spills hazards into Kenyan communities.

The Governor said explosive ordnance has also landed in civilian areas, including near public facilities, posing a serious danger to children. He urged national security agencies to sustain civilian protection and ensure all suspected unexploded ordnance is secured and cleared by qualified personnel.

The Governor said the conflict has disrupted learning and national examinations, cut electricity to Moyale Town, undermined cross-border trade and hit county revenue.

He named communities displaced by the fighting, including Somare, Sesi, Biashara Street, Lami, Manyatta, Heilu and Mansile, now seeking shelter around Butiye, Oda and Yabalo.

The Governor urged residents to remain calm and not let the conflict divide them. He called on political, religious and community leaders to exercise restraint and speak responsibly.

Let no one exploit this crisis to sow hatred, encourage retaliation or turn neighboring communities against one another,” he said.

Representing the County Commissioner, a government official said Kenya Defence Forces officers and the border patrol police unit are patrolling the frontier.

He said the government does not expect the conflict to cross into Kenya because security has been beefed up and forces are “ready for any eventuality.” He also said rocket-propelled grenades fired from the Ethiopian side have landed in Kenya, some striking buildings and causing panic.