IG Kanja: Kenya is engaging Ethiopia to resolve conflict

By  David Muchui

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

Kenya is actively engaging the Federal Government of Ethiopia to resolve the Moyale conflict, which has left thousands of Ethiopian and scores of Kenyan families displaced.

Fighting between Oromia and Somali regional forces has lasted two weeks, forcing more than 36,000 people to flee into Kenya for safety. Stray bullets and rocket-propelled grenades have also forced many Kenyans living near the border out of their homes.

The areas most affected by stray ammunition include Somare, Sessi, Biashara, Lami and Heillu estates.

Speaking on Thursday when he led a delegation of security chiefs to Moyale, Inspector General (IG) of Police Douglas Kanja assured residents that the government was enhancing security along the border and within the region.

Mr Kanja was accompanied by the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, GSU Commandant Johana Tonui and Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma, among others.

"Securing Kenyans living along the border is our top priority. We are also keen on safely evacuating several truck drivers and other Kenyans stuck on the Ethiopian side," Mr Kanja said.

According to residents, several truck drivers who were returning to Kenya have been stuck along the Moyale-Addis Ababa highway for the past two weeks.

IG Kanja said the Kenyan government was prioritising efforts to resolve the conflict in the neighbouring country, noting that "it is challenging to control stray bullets when there is war in a neighbouring country."

"I am here to have a feel of what is happening in Moyale. It is the cardinal duty of government to secure its citizens so that they can proceed with normal life. I am here to assure you of your safety and security. The government is working with Ethiopia to address the conflict so that the displaced people return home," IG Kanja said.

He said he would deploy more resources and personnel along the border with Ethiopia to enhance the security of Kenyan territory.

"A lot of effort is being put into ensuring the conflict among our neighbours is resolved. This will also facilitate the movement of Kenyans who are stranded across the border," Mr Kanja said.

The IG spoke a day after two people were hit by stray bullets, with one incident occurring near Moyale Police Station.

Heavy fighting on the Ethiopian side on Wednesday night left some houses and a vehicle with stray bullet holes at Lami estate.

Mr Kanja, who met local elders and humanitarian agencies supporting the displaced people, also pledged to enhance security at temporary shelters in Moyale.

Addressing the displaced population at OMC School, Mr Kanja said Kenya was committed to ensuring their safety and comfort.

"I appreciate the local community for the good work they did immediately this conflict started. The humanitarian agencies have done very well in complementing the local community. We appeal that more support is also given to host communities," the IG said.

Moyale Cross-border Committee Vice-Chairman Mohamed Guyo said security agencies must remain vigilant to avert a spillover of the conflict.

"The government must enhance security and patrols along the border. Currently, children are traumatised and terrified whenever night sets in.

"As elders, we are doing our part to avert a spillover by sensitising the community to embrace peace," Mr Guyo said.

The elders also want the DCI to rein in on the abuse of social media by people keen on fuelling the conflict.

According to Kenya Red Cross Society Upper Eastern head Malik Adan, the number of displaced people has risen from 36,000 to more than 50,000.

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