Ethiopian Troops Cross Into Kenya Near Moyale, Triggering Two-Hour Armed Standoff

MOYALE, Kenya - A serious security incident unfolded on Saturday along the Kenya–Ethiopia border near Moyale after Ethiopian military personnel reportedly crossed nearly one kilometre into Kenyan territory while firing.

The advance, which came from the Sesii area, pushed the troops to within two kilometres of Moyale Police Station, prompting an immediate response from Kenyan security units, who were heard shooting.

According to an official report filed at Moyale Police Station (OB No. 32/22/11/2025), officers from the Kenya Police, Administration Police Service, and Border Patrol Unit engaged the intruding forces in a confrontation that lasted close to two hours.

The Kenya Defence Forces later joined the operation, and together the teams managed to repel the Ethiopian soldiers back to the borderline. It is not clear why the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) engaged in the illegality.

Several rounds were fired during the exchange, but no injuries were reported among Kenyan officers.

However, unconfirmed reports suggest that an earlier fatal shooting on the Ethiopian side, allegedly involving a Kenyan team along the border, may have triggered the incursion, which could affect the relationship between the two countries.

The situation remains tense and comes a few months after KDF chief Gen Charles Kahariri signed a defence cooperation agreement with his Ethiopian counterpart, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula in Addis Ababa. Kenya and Ethiopia are close partners on matters of security.

GAROWE ONLINE