The Kenyan government has confirmed that approximately 40,000 Ethiopians have crossed into Kenya and are currently being accommodated in Moyale following escalating tensions in neighbouring Ethiopia. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the influx was triggered by unrest in parts of Ethiopia, forcing thousands of residents to abandon their homes and seek safety across the border.
Speaking about the situation, Mudavadi revealed that he had reached out to his Ethiopian counterpart to discuss the developments and seek intervention to restore stability. Mudavadi said he urged the Ethiopian government to take measures to calm the situation and create favourable conditions for displaced families to return to their homes. He added that Ethiopia had assured Kenya of its commitment to addressing the situation and restoring normalcy.
Clashes in Ethiopia Trigger Displacement
The movement of people into Kenya follows clashes that broke out in October 2026 amid longstanding disagreements between Ethiopia’s Oromia and Somali regional administrations over territorial boundaries and administrative control. The unrest has forced thousands of families to flee their homes in search of safety, with some seeking shelter in schools, churches and temporary camps.
Others have reportedly been accommodated by relatives and members of local communities as the humanitarian situation continues to develop. The Kenyan government is engaging Ethiopian authorities in efforts to stabilise the situation and facilitate the eventual return of displaced families to their homes.
