Turkana attack: 38 people still missing after deadly raid by suspected Ethiopian militia
The government is increasing its security presence in the region to curb conflicts between the Turkana and Oromo communities.
Only three bodies have been recovered from Lake Turkana following a deadly attack by suspected Dassenech militia from Ethiopia on February 22, 2025.
The attack targeted Kenyan pastoralists, fishermen, and traders in Lotiira and Lopeimukat border villages.
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Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan reported that 66 survivors had been found in the ongoing operation, while 38 Kenyans remain missing. Ethiopian authorities also confirmed that 13 of their nationals are still unaccounted for.
“We still have 38 Kenyans missing, and the Ethiopian authorities have also reported that 13 of their nationals are still unaccounted for,” Abdi told journalists at his office on Friday.
He further revealed that nine boats and 140 fishing nets had been recovered in the ongoing search.
According to Abdi, the Ethiopian government is actively involved in the joint operation along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
The government is also increasing its security presence in the region to curb conflicts between the Turkana and Oromo communities.
However, Abdi noted that rough terrain, poor communication networks, and inadequate road infrastructure were slowing down the search and recovery missions.
The recovered bodies have been buried in a mass grave, at the same site where another 42 people were killed in an attack in May 2011.
Affected families reported to the Kenya Red Cross that more than 40 people remain missing since the attack.
They also reported losing 47 boats, 556 fishing nets, other fishing gear, a motorcycle and a firearm belonging to a National Police Reservist.
“Three bodies have so far been recovered. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with much focus on retrieving the boats and nets,” said Turkana North Deputy County Commissioner George Orina.
The first two bodies were recovered four days after the attack, while the third was retrieved from the lake eight days later.
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