MPs grill Defence ministry over Todonyang killings, porous Ethiopia border
By Cy Muganda, August 12, 2025Members of Parliament have demanded firm action and clear answers from the Ministry of Defence over the February 2025 Todonyang massacre in Turkana County, where armed assailants killed civilians, with many still reported missing.
In a statement posted on Parliament’s Facebook account on August 12, 2025, Parliament disclosed that the Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations pressed Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya and Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru over the government’s efforts to secure the country’s northern borders and prevent future attacks.
“The Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has pressed the Ministry of Defence for firm action and clear answers on the February 2025 Todonyang massacre in Turkana County, in which armed assailants are alleged to have killed more than 40 civilians,” the statement read.
Tough questions
During the session, Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin, who had tabled the original request for a statement on the massacre, sought details on the status of the investigations following the incident, security measures along Lake Turkana, and compensation for the Todonyang victims’ families.
“Are you telling this Committee the State is unable to secure its borders?” Nabuin stated.
Kamkunji MP Yusuf Hassan, on his part, framed the killings as a national sovereignty issue, demanding accountability from the perpetrators.
“This is not just about Turkana, it is about Kenya’s sovereignty. What assurance can you give that the perpetrators will face justice?” Hassan questioned.
Committee members also raised concerns over the absence of a formal diplomatic protest over the possibility that the armed assailants involved in the Todonyang attack hailed from Ethiopia, with lawmakers demanding to know why stronger action had not been taken.
“Why was there no protestation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Government of Ethiopia? What action was taken since February 2025?” Hassan pressed.
Hon. Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North) warned against the recurring nature of such incidents, stating: “We cannot be coming here every few months to discuss killings in Turkana. What is the real obstacle to lasting security?”
Ministry’s defence
In her response, CS Tuya confirmed that a protest note had been sent to Ethiopia and that Kenya’s Defence Attaché in Addis Ababa was engaging Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defence.
She detailed ongoing security measures, including KDF reinforcement of police units in Turkana East, aerial surveillance using helicopters, and 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 stated.
When asked whether armed Ethiopian nationals had entered and operated inside Kenyan territory, Tuya said there was no formal confirmation of Ethiopian government forces permanently occupying Kenyan land but acknowledged cross-border movements by armed elements related to pastoral conflicts.
“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,” Tuya explained.
Committee’s resolve
In his address, Committee Chair Nelson Koech indicated that lawmakers would continue pursuing more information on the broader security and diplomatic aspects of the Turkana–Ethiopia issue from the Ministry during a closed session.
“The Committee notes the responses. We will pursue a joint closed session with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs to address the broader security and diplomatic aspects of the Turkana–Ethiopia issue,” Koech stated.