A team of Kenya Defence Forces personnel safely detonated three rocket-propelled grenades discovered near the Kenya-Ethiopia border in the Sessi area of Moyale, Marsabit County. The detonation was the second exercise in two weeks, officials said amid a growing crisis. The explosives had no visible registration markings and were destroyed on Monday, November 9.
The two explosives, fitted with stabilising fins at the rear, were reportedly fired from Ethiopia at around 2 am Monday before landing a few metres inside Kenyan territory. KDF officers based in Moyale carried out the controlled demolition, with no injuries or property damage reported. On their way back from the demolition site, the soldiers discovered a third RPG along the roadside near Sessi Mixed Secondary School.
Authorities said they had increased security personnel in the area to address the growing crisis. The explosives are being launched by rival groups targeting those seeking refuge in Kenyan side. The government has confirmed that approximately 40,000 Ethiopians have crossed into Kenya and are currently being hosted in Moyale following escalating tensions in parts of Ethiopia.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said tensions in Ethiopia had forced thousands of people to flee into Kenya. He communicated with his Ethiopian counterpart and asked him to intervene and help stabilise the situation so that the displaced families can return home. The Ethiopian government had assured Kenya that it was working to restore normalcy.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered the deployment of additional police officers to Moyale, Marsabit County, amid growing security concerns linked to developments in neighbouring Ethiopia. Kanja announced the reinforcement on November 5, during a security assessment visit to the border town.
A 20-year-old woman was seriously injured after being struck by two suspected stray bullets believed to have originated from neighbouring Ethiopia in Moyale, Marsabit County. The incident occurred on November 4, 2026, at approximately 12:15pm while the victim was at her home in Biashara area. A 65-year-old woman was killed in the area, after she was reportedly struck by a suspected stray bullet believed to have originated from ongoing clashes in neighbouring Ethiopia.
The neighbouring Moyale is experiencing conflict which has displaced more than 50,000 people. Security officers in the area had earlier on safely detonated three rocket-propelled grenades that reportedly landed in the area after being discharged from neighbouring Ethiopia.
Key points
- 40,000 Ethiopians have crossed into Kenya seeking refuge amid escalating tensions
- Kenya Defence Forces safely detonated three RPG explosives near the border
- Additional police officers deployed to Moyale to address growing security concerns
