Military Base Planned in Turkana After Todonyang Massacre
The majority of confrontations, most of the time, are over water, pasture, and fishing rights on Lake Turkana. These have led to intermittent attacks
Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin griped about the handling of the attack. He said that two of the 41 victims' bodies have been recovered. He accused the authorities of reacting slowly .Photo/Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya reports that the police are carrying out investigations into the Todonyang massacre. The attack, which took place within Kenyan territory, claimed 41 lives and many dozens injured.
Tuya briefed the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee that the Department of Defence is acquiring land in Turkana to establish a new military base. The aim is to ensure such attacks do not happen in the future.
She said troop deployment and patrols along the Kenya–Ethiopia border have been stepped up after the February 22 murders. Tuya further added that Kenya and Ethiopia remain cooperating on defence matters to protect cross-border commerce. She, however, clarified securing border points is paramount.
Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin griped about the handling of the attack. He said that two of the 41 victims’ bodies have been recovered. He accused the authorities of reacting slowly.
Nabuin also said that families from the attack are agitated at the slow response from security agencies and the government.
The Todonyang massacre took place on February 22. Residents along the Kenya–Ethiopia border in Turkana County were attacked by gun-wielding assailants.
There is a record of frontier confrontations in the region. The majority of confrontations, most of the time, are over water, pasture, and fishing rights on Lake Turkana. These have led to intermittent attacks in the past.
The suggestion by Tuya to set up a military base is to achieve a permanent presence of security forces. It will also enable faster response to danger. She believes enhanced patrols and observation will deter armed groups from crossing into Kenya.
The Defense Ministry’s action comes as security is still a top issue for border residents. Residents are optimistic that the proposed base will restore peace and avoid further loss of life.
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