Thousands Flee Homes As Bullets And Rockets From Ethiopia Rain Down On Kenya’s Moyale Border

Tension remains high in Moyale in Marsabit County as fighting on the Ethiopian side grows more intense. A building was seen on fire. Thousands of Kenyans have been forced to leave their homes.

Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali said about 10,000 Kenyan residents have fled. Stray bullets and rocket-propelled grenades have been landing on the Kenyan side of the border. Twenty-two people have been injured and two have died.

A rapid needs assessment led by the government estimates that more than 50,000 people from Ethiopia have crossed into Marsabit County. They are looking for safety. Many are sheltering in schools and temporary camps or with host families.

The clashes began around mid-October. They stem from a territorial and administrative dispute between the Oromia and Somali regional administrations of Ethiopia. Tensions rose after the Somali regional flag was raised in the contested Moyale area. The killing of a 13-year-old girl added fuel to the fire.

The fighting has involved heavy gunfire and has spread across several districts on the Ethiopian side. There are reports of burned houses and businesses.

Kenyan security forces have moved to contain the spillover. The Kenya Defence Forces detonated rocket-propelled grenades that landed inside Kenyan territory. Residents near the border still live under the risk of bombardment and stray ammunition.

Governor Ali has appealed for urgent humanitarian help. He says food and water are running low. Shelter and healthcare are also under severe strain.

The Kenya Red Cross and UN partners are working with authorities to respond. Diplomatic efforts are also under way to push for a ceasefire in Ethiopia. Meanwhile trade has stalled and daily life in the shared border town has been badly disrupted.

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