The government is moving to establish a military base in Turkana County in the wake of the Todonyang massacre that left 41 people dead and dozens injured along the Kenya–Ethiopia border.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya told the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee that the Department of Defence is in the process of acquiring land in Turkana to host the new base. She said the move is aimed at strengthening security in the volatile border region and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The February 22 attack occurred when armed assailants opened fire on residents near Todonyang, an area long plagued by cross-border hostilities. The massacre, which Tuya confirmed happened within Kenyan territory, is under investigation by the police. She said troop presence and patrols along the Kenya–Ethiopia border have already been reinforced.
“Kenya and Ethiopia have maintained defence cooperation to safeguard cross-border trade,” Tuya told MPs. “However, securing our border points remains a top priority to ensure the safety of our people.”
Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin expressed frustration at what he described as slow and inadequate government response. He revealed that only two of the 41 victims’ bodies have been recovered, sparking protests from affected families.
“The people are grieving and angry. They feel abandoned,” Nabuin said, urging both the security forces and government agencies to act swiftly to recover the missing bodies and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Todonyang, located on the northern shores of Lake Turkana, has a long history of deadly clashes between communities on both sides of the border. These conflicts are often driven by competition for scarce resources, including pasture, water, and fishing rights.
Security experts have warned that without a permanent military presence, the region will remain vulnerable to raids and armed incursions. The proposed base, combined with enhanced patrols, is expected to improve rapid response capability and bolster cooperation with Ethiopian counterparts.
For now, families in Turkana North remain in mourning, demanding justice for their loved ones and assurance that the government’s promises will translate into tangible security improvements on the ground.
