•Escalating Violence Sparks Mass Exodus
Dukana, Marsabit| Hundreds of residents in Dukana Ward, North Horr Constituency, Marsabit County, have been forced to flee their homes following a spike in deadly attacks and rising insecurity.
The latest wave of violence, which claimed the life of a middle-aged man, has left the community gripped by fear, panic, and uncertainty.
The deteriorating security situation comes just a day after a peace meeting between the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments, aimed at fostering stability along the border.
However, rather than calming tensions, violence has intensified, leaving residents in distress and prompting an urgent appeal for intervention.
Fear and Uncertainty Drive Families to Desperation
Dukana village, a remote settlement nestled in a harsh desert environment, is now experiencing an unprecedented crisis. Entire families, including women, children, and the elderly, have abandoned their homes in search of safety.
Some have fled in lorries and other available vehicles, while others are trekking long distances under the scorching sun, braving life-threatening temperatures with their livestock and minimal belongings.
The situation has been further aggravated by a directive from Dukana Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Charo Katana, who urged residents to relocate to areas where government security forces can offer protection.
However, with no clear relocation plan in place, many have found themselves stranded without shelter, food, or water.
Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
The mass displacement has led to a humanitarian catastrophe. The displaced families, now living in makeshift camps or out in the open desert, are battling extreme conditions, including cold nights and heavy rains, without adequate protection.
With no trees, structures, or proper shelter, they remain vulnerable to the elements, deepening their suffering.
Women and children are among the worst affected, struggling to survive with limited resources.
Businesses in Dukana have also been severely disrupted, as traders and business owners abandon their enterprises, bringing economic activities to a standstill.
Calls for Urgent Government and Humanitarian Response
As the crisis worsens, displaced residents are pleading for immediate intervention from both the county and national governments, humanitarian organizations, and well-wishers. Their urgent needs include:
- Food supplies to sustain the displaced families
- Shelter and bedding to protect them from the harsh weather
- Clean drinking water to prevent dehydration and waterborne diseases
- Medical aid to treat the sick and injured
Local leaders and relief agencies are being urged to act swiftly to prevent the situation from spiraling into a full-blown humanitarian disaster.
Security Forces Struggle to Contain the Situation
Meanwhile, security forces in the area are stretched thin as they attempt to quell the violence and restore order.
Despite increased patrols, the sporadic and unpredictable nature of the attacks has left residents feeling vulnerable and abandoned.
With no clear end in sight, Dukana remains on edge. Until lasting security solutions are found, the exodus of frightened families is likely to continue, further disrupting lives and livelihoods in this already fragile region.
What Next?
The unfolding crisis in Dukana underscores the urgent need for a long-term security strategy along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
The government, security agencies, and regional leaders must work together to address the root causes of the conflict, ensure effective border surveillance, and rebuild trust among the affected communities.
For now, however, the priority remains saving lives—providing emergency relief and protection to the hundreds of families left homeless and exposed to the unforgiving conditions of the desert.
Read| Man Shot Dead in Dukana Hours After Kenya-Ethiopia Peace Meeting
Unless immediate action is taken, the suffering in Dukana will only deepen, turning an already dire security crisis into a full-scale humanitarian disaster.
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