Moyale, Kenya| In the wake of the abduction of two South Korean nationals, Kenya’s Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Gilbert Masengeli, and the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Amin, convened a high-level security meeting in Moyale on August 15, 2024, to coordinate response efforts and oversee ongoing investigations.
The two Korean citizens were kidnapped on the night of August 12, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m. by two armed assailants who forcefully entered the premises of Odda Mission Secondary School, where the victims were residing.
According to preliminary findings, the attackers fled the scene on motorbikes toward the Funanyatta area along the Marsabit-Moyale Highway, discharging firearms as they escaped.
In response, a swift, coordinated multi-agency operation was launched, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects, including six Ethiopian nationals.
The suspects were arraigned before the Moyale Principal Magistrate’s Court on August 13, 2024, under a Miscellaneous Application. The court granted investigators a 10-day custodial order to allow for further inquiries.
Forensic evidence collected from the scene, including three spent cartridges, has been forwarded to the DCI Forensic Laboratory in Nairobi for ballistic analysis. Authorities hope the results will offer critical leads in the ongoing investigation.
Accompanying the Acting IG at the scene of the abduction were several senior security officials, including Moyale Member of Parliament Professor Jaldesa Guyo Waqo, GSU Commandant Mr. Ranson Lolmodooni, Director of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit Mr. Said Kiprotich, and Border Police Unit Commandant Mr. Isaac Alimaa.
Addressing the Regional and County Security Committees, Mr. Masengeli emphasized the need for robust cooperation between security agencies and the local community in addressing rising insecurity in the border region.
He urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the ongoing rescue operation.
“We must strengthen our collaboration with the public if we are to close the security gaps in this area. I appeal to residents to support us by volunteering any information, no matter how small, that could lead to the safe recovery of the victims,” said Mr. Masengeli.
Echoing the call, DCI Director Mr. Amin urged all security officers involved in the search operation to combine efforts and maintain momentum in the mission to recover the abducted individuals.
“Our top priority is the safe return of the hostages. Let us work with unity and precision to ensure that this objective is achieved,” Mr. Amin stated.
The National Police Service has issued a public appeal for information that may aid the investigation.
Members of the public are urged to contact the DCI toll-free line at 0800 722 203, or use the National Police Service emergency numbers: 999, 112, 911, or report to the nearest police station.
The abduction has raised renewed concerns about cross-border criminal activity and security along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, prompting increased patrols and intelligence operations in the region.
Investigations and rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities remaining tight-lipped about operational details to avoid compromising the sensitive mission.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign nationals and maintaining the rule of law across the country.
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