MPs grill Defence CS Tuya over Todonyang massacre, border security failures in Turkana
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan described the killings as a matter of national sovereignty and demanded accountability.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya came under scrutiny from Members of Parliament on Tuesday over the government’s handling of the February Todonyang massacre and persistent border security challenges in Turkana County, as legislators pressed for concrete measures to protect communities along the northern frontier.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations criticised the Ministry for its slow response and questioned why attacks continue despite repeated assurances of improved security.
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Tuya, accompanied by Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, appeared before the committee following a request from Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin, who sought updates on investigations into the killings, security operations on Lake Turkana, protection for local fishermen, and compensation for victims’ families.
The February 22 attack claimed more than 40 civilian lives after armed assailants from Ethiopia crossed into Kenyan territory.
“Are you telling this Committee the State is unable to secure its borders?” Nabuin asked, citing repeated assaults in the region.
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan described the killings as a matter of national sovereignty and demanded accountability.
“This is not just about Turkana, it is about Kenya’s sovereignty. What assurance can you give that the perpetrators will face justice?” he posed.
He also questioned the absence of a formal diplomatic protest after the incident.
“Why was there no protestation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Government of Ethiopia? What action was taken since February 2025?” he stressed.
Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi warned against a pattern of repeated violence.
“We cannot be coming here every few months to discuss killings in Turkana. What is the real obstacle to lasting security?” he asked.
KDF reinforcements
In her response, Tuya confirmed that a protest note had been sent to the Ethiopian government and that Kenya’s Defence Attaché in Addis Ababa was in contact with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defence.
She outlined measures such as KDF reinforcements to police units in Turkana East, aerial surveillance by helicopters, and the strengthening of border security posts.
“We are committed to increasing military presence and improving rapid response capacity. The security of Kenyans is our top priority, and the Government is taking all necessary measures to prevent recurrence,” Tuya said.
Kajiado Central MP Memusi Kanchory pressed for answers on reports of Ethiopian armed presence inside Kenyan territory.
“Did armed Ethiopian nationals enter and operate inside Kenyan territory? And why have they not been removed?” he asked.
Ethiopian government forces
Tuya rejected the claim that Ethiopian government forces were permanently based in Kenya.
“Chair, we have no formal confirmation at the military-to-military level that Ethiopian government forces are permanently occupying Kenyan territory. However, we have confirmed cross-border movements by armed elements. These are often related to pastoralist conflicts, but investigations are ongoing. In the meantime, the KDF presence in Turkana East has been scaled up,” she said.
Committee Chair Nelson Koech questioned whether the 2022 Defence Cooperation Agreement with Ethiopia had been reviewed following the killings.
“What specific actions has your ministry taken to protect Turkana residents?” he asked.
Tuya said the agreement was under bilateral review to address emerging threats.
Territorial integrity
“We have recommended to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that clauses on territorial integrity and civilian protection be prioritised. Our forces have been deployed in Lokiriama and Kibish corridors, with intelligence-sharing measures now in place,” she said.
She also revealed plans for a permanent KDF base in Turkana East.
“We have faced delays because the land belongs to the community and is held under communal tenure, requiring county government facilitation and National Land Commission processing. Discussions with the Turkana County Government are ongoing to fast-track allocation so that KDF can have a permanent presence and deter future incursions,” Tuya told the Committee.
She added that border security operations would continue in the meantime.
“In the meantime, we have deployed mobile detachments to strategic points along the border. This is to ensure security operations continue as we finalise the base establishment process,” she said.
Koech closed the session by reaffirming the committee’s oversight role.
“The Committee notes the responses. We will pursue a joint session with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs to address the broader security and diplomatic aspects of the Turkana–Ethiopia issue,” he said.
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