Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali has told political leaders to stop making inflammatory statements about the deadly clashes in Moyale. He said their comments risk spreading the conflict across the border and dividing communities that have lived side by side for generations, as the number of people fleeing into Kenya climbs towards 50,000.

Speaking in Moyale town, the governor asked leaders who comment on the crisis from across the border to show restraint and not take sides. He said their energy should go into peaceful coexistence and help for families who have lost their homes.

Maalim and Kerrow named

Ali singled out former Dadaab MP Farah Maalim and former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow. He said he was disappointed by statements and social media posts attributed to them. He said he knows both men and respects them, but expects leaders of their standing to use their influence for reconciliation.

He questioned what he described as a change in Maalim's position. He recalled that in 2020 the two had jointly raised concerns about the alleged persecution of Oromo and Borana communities under the then Tigray-led administration in Ethiopia. "What has changed now?" he asked.

The governor called claims that any region belongs exclusively to one community irresponsible. He said boundary questions should be settled by the Ethiopian government using official maps, records and history, and not by individual politicians.

Refugee numbers rising

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says about 50,000 people had crossed into Moyale by October 29. It describes the figure as preliminary. Most of the new arrivals are staying with host families along the border, and others are sheltering at five temporary sites.

The Kenyan government and humanitarian partners are preparing a response for up to 80,000 people. "The situation remains fluid, and the numbers of arrivals could increase in the coming days," said Nomagugu Ncube, IOM's chief of mission in Kenya.

Agencies list the most urgent needs as:

  • Clean water and sanitation
  • Emergency shelter and household items
  • Health care and food
  • Protection services for women and children

IOM is working with the Department of Refugee Services, the UN refugee agency UNHCR and other partners to track movement across the border.

Ceasefire call

On Friday, Ali called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Moyale and nearby cross-border areas. He visited displaced families with a security team led by County Commissioner Stanley Kimondo. "This senseless violence is utterly unacceptable," he said.

He said Marsabit County already faces serious resource shortages because of the influx, but has a duty to care for everyone fleeing the fighting, regardless of ethnic background. He urged residents not to retaliate, and asked elders, religious leaders and young people to reject incitement.

The fighting pits security forces and communities linked to Ethiopia's Oromia and Somali regional states, including Borana and Garre groups who have close family ties on both sides of the border. Reports link the escalation to a dispute over raising the Somali regional flag in Moyale and to the killing of a 13-year-old girl. The clashes reportedly intensified from October 22.

Photos: The Star (Governor Mohamud Ali in Moyale); UNHCR Kenya via The Eastleigh Voice (displaced families). Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.