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 from Ethiopia are alleged to have killed more than 40 civilians.

Appearing before the Committee, Cabinet Secretary for Defence Hon. Soipan Tuya, accompanied by Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, faced questions from lawmakers' who sought answers on how the Government is securing the country’s northern borders.

The request for a statement had been tabled by Hon. Ekwom Nabuin (Turkana North), seeking details on investigations into the massacre, security measures along Lake Turkana, protection for fishermen, and compensation for victims’ families.

“Are you telling this Committee the State is unable to secure its borders?” Hon. Nabuin challenged, citing repeated attacks in the area.

Hon. Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji) framed the killings as a sovereignty issue: “This is not just about Turkana, it is about Kenya’s sovereignty. What assurance can you give that the perpetrators will face justice?”

Committee Members also questioned the absence of formal diplomatic protest over the incursion.

Hon. Yusuf Hassan (Kamkunji) asked, "Why was there no protestation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Government of Ethiopia, What action was taken since February 2025?"

Hon. Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North) warned that, “We cannot be coming here every few months to discuss killings in Turkana. What is the real obstacle to lasting security?”

In her response, CS Tuya confirmed that a protest note had been sent to the Ethiopian government and that Kenya’s Defence Attaché in Addis Ababa was engaging Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defence. She outlined security steps including KDF reinforcement of police units in Turkana East, aerial surveillance using helicopters, and the strengthening of border security posts.

“We are committed to increasing military presence and improving rapid response capacity,” CS Tuya said. “The security of Kenyans is our top priority, and the Government is taking all necessary measures to prevent recurrence.”

Hon. Memusi Kanchory asked, "Did armed Ethiopian nationals enter and operate inside Kenyan territory? And why have they not been removed?"

Hon. Tuya confirmed said, "Chair, 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. These are often related to pastoralist conflicts, but investigations are ongoing. In the meantime, the KDF presence in Turkana East has been scaled up."

Speaking on diplomatic engagements, Hon. Nelson Koech asked "In 2022, the government signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement with Ethiopia. Has that agreement been reviewed in light of these killings? What specific actions has your ministry taken to protect Turkana residents?"

In response the Ministry said that the agreement with Ethiopia is under review at the bilateral level to address emerging security concerns. CS Sopian added that, "We have recommended to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that clauses on territorial integrity and civilian protection be prioritised. Our forces have been deployed in Lokiriama and Kibish corridors, with intelligence-sharing measures now in place."

The Committee learnt that the Ministry of Defence had identified land in Turkana East for establishing a permanent military base. "We have faced delays because the land belongs to the community and is held under communal tenure, requiring county government facilitation and National Land Commission processing. Discussions with the Turkana County Government are ongoing to fast-track allocation so that KDF can have a permanent presence and deter future incursions," submitted CS Tuya.

Weighing in on border security, CS Tuya said, "Border security is not entirely dependent on land acquisition, but having a permanent base will significantly improve rapid response. In the meantime, we have deployed mobile detachments to strategic points along the border. This is to ensure security operations continue as we finalise the base establishment process."

The Committee pledged to hold the security agencies to account.

Committee Chair, Hon. Nelson Koech stated, "The Committee notes the responses. We will pursue a joint session with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs to address the broader security and diplomatic aspects of the Turkana–Ethiopia issue."