Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel have safely detonated three rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) discovered near the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Sessi area of Moyale, Marsabit County, amid escalating tensions in neighbouring Ethiopia.
The latest demolition exercise, conducted on Monday, November 9, 2026, was the second such incident in two weeks, raising fresh security concerns over the spillover of violence into Kenyan territory.
The explosives, which had no visible registration markings, were discovered following reports that two RPGs had landed near a slaughter site close to the border.
According to security officials, the two explosives, fitted with stabilising fins at the rear, were reportedly fired from Ethiopia at approximately 2am before landing a few metres inside Kenyan territory.
KDF officers based in Moyale subsequently conducted a controlled demolition, with no injuries or property damage reported.
While returning from the demolition site, the soldiers discovered a third RPG along the roadside near Sessi Mixed Secondary School. The explosive, which did not have stabilising fins, was also safely detonated.
Authorities have since increased security personnel in the border region to contain the situation and protect residents and thousands of people fleeing the violence in Ethiopia.
The latest incident comes as Kenya grapples with a growing refugee crisis, with approximately 40,000 Ethiopians having crossed into the country and sought refuge in Moyale following escalating clashes in neighbouring regions.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that tensions in Ethiopia had forced thousands of people to flee their homes and seek safety in Kenya.
“The issue is that from the Ethiopian side, they have been having a little bit of tension over there. So, the problem has caused about 40,000 people to evacuate to Kenya,” Mudavadi said.
He disclosed that he had communicated with his Ethiopian counterpart, urging him to intervene and help restore stability to enable displaced families to return home.
“I told him to try and calm the situation in their country so that the refugees return to their homes,” he said.
Mudavadi added that the Ethiopian government had assured Kenya it was working towards restoring normalcy.
“They have assured us that they will do their best to return the issues to normalcy and then the people can go back,” he said.
Police Intensify Security Operations in Moyale
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Moyale to address growing concerns over cross-border insecurity.
Kanja issued the directive on November 5, 2026, during a security assessment visit to the border town, where he chaired a strategic meeting with regional security commanders.
He directed officers deployed in the area to remain on high alert, strengthen surveillance and protect residents and their property.
The Inspector General assured residents that the National Police Service (NPS) was committed to maintaining peace and stability through enhanced security operations.
“We are here to ensure all the visitors and locals are safe. We will ensure more personnel arrive for protection,” he said.
He also urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information that could help prevent security threats.
During the visit, Kanja toured a camp hosting families displaced by the insecurity, where he assured them of enhanced protection and coordinated humanitarian assistance in partnership with relief agencies.
He was accompanied by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohammed Amin, General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Johanna Tonui and Kenya Police Service Director of Operations Philip Opiyo.
Other officials present included Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Muganda, Eastern Regional Police Commander Stephen Chebet, Eastern Regional Administration Police Commander Michael Owino and Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Michael Sang.
Woman Killed, Another Injured by Suspected Stray Bullets
The security reinforcement followed a series of incidents in which suspected stray bullets believed to have originated from neighbouring Ethiopia injured and killed civilians in Moyale.
On November 4, 2026, a 20-year-old woman was seriously injured after being struck by two suspected stray bullets while at her home in Biashara area.
Police said the incident occurred at approximately 12:15pm, leaving the victim unconscious after she was hit twice in the back.
She was rushed to Taqwa Nursing Home Hospital, where medical personnel removed the bullets. She was admitted in serious condition as police documented the incident.
The circumstances under which the bullets crossed into Kenyan territory remained unclear.
A day earlier, a 65-year-old woman identified as Amina Guchi was killed after being struck by a suspected stray bullet at the Moyale County offices, near Moyale Law Courts.
Guchi was reportedly speaking to a security official on duty on November 2 when an object believed to be a bullet struck her on the head from behind.
She collapsed and lost consciousness before being rushed to Moyale Sub-County Referral Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police officers subsequently visited the hospital, where a post-mortem examination was conducted before her body was released to the family for burial arrangements.
KCSE Examination Centres Relocated
The deteriorating security situation has also disrupted education activities in the border region, forcing authorities to relocate two Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination centres in Moyale Sub-County.
The decision followed reports of unexploded explosives landing near learning institutions, raising concerns over the safety of candidates and examination personnel.
In an earlier incident on November 1, 2026, security officers detonated three RPGs discovered near Sessi Primary School and the Meteorological Department offices.
Police said one explosive was found near Sessi Primary School, while two others were discovered at the Meteorological Department premises.
Police officers and bomb disposal experts from the Kenya Defence Forces based at Odha responded to the scene, secured the explosives and conducted a controlled demolition.
The incident disrupted learning and examination arrangements at the affected centre, prompting authorities to relocate the examination candidates.
At least three people had also been injured after suspected bullets struck structures in the area in previous incidents.
UNHCR Warns of Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The insecurity has triggered concern among humanitarian agencies, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warning of growing humanitarian needs in northern Kenya.
The agency reported significant cross-border movements since October 22, 2026, as thousands of Ethiopians fled clashes and crossed into Moyale in search of safety.
Local authorities estimate that up to 50,000 people have entered Kenya, although the figures remain fluid as registration and verification exercises continue.
Many of those arriving are women and children, raising concerns over their protection, access to healthcare, food, shelter and other essential services.
Some displaced families have been accommodated by relatives and members of host communities, while others are sheltering in schools, churches and temporary camps.
The conflict reportedly erupted in October 2026 following the alleged raising of the Somali Regional State flag in Ethiopia, triggering clashes involving groups and forces from the Oromia and Somali regional administrations.
The two regional administrations have longstanding disagreements over territorial boundaries and administrative control.
The fighting has displaced thousands of people, with the continuing cross-border movement placing additional pressure on humanitarian resources and security agencies in northern Kenya.
Kenyan authorities are now facing the dual challenge of protecting border communities from possible spillover violence while coordinating assistance for thousands of displaced Ethiopians seeking refuge in the country.
