On the second day of the search for victims of the Todonyang massacre, Turkana North Member of Parliament Sheriff Nabuin Ekuwam navigated Lake Turkana by boat to locate missing boats and fishing nets belonging to the victims. The attack, attributed to suspected Dassanech militia from Ethiopia, resulted in the deaths of at least 30 fishermen and the disappearance of 20 others. The assailants also seized several boats and fishing equipment, devastating the livelihoods of many families in the region.

In response to the tragedy, Kenyan and Ethiopian authorities have initiated a joint search and rescue operation to locate the missing individuals and recover the stolen property. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that diplomatic discussions have granted Kenyan teams access to the Ethiopian side of Lake Turkana to aid in the search efforts. He expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring all missing persons are accounted for and to restoring normalcy in the area.

The attack has deeply affected the local community, as fishing is a primary source of income for many families. MP Ekuwam lamented the loss of life and the impact on the community’s livelihoods, emphasizing the need for swift action to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of fishermen in the region.

As the search continues, authorities are working diligently to recover the missing individuals and property, while also addressing the broader issues of cross-border conflict and resource-based violence that have led to such tragic events.