Kenya deploys forces along Ethiopian border following police killings

Kenya has deployed military forces along its border with Ethiopia days after three Kenyan police officers were killed by soldiers from Ethiopia who crossed the border.

Reports have also indicated Ethiopia has reacted to the development by closing Moyale town, Sololo, Forolle, Dukana and Illeret border points on Friday.

Kenyan traders in at least five towns in southern Ethiopia were stranded Friday after Ethiopian immigration officials closed the border points.

Ethiopian forces who are said to have been pursuing the Oromo Liberation Front, OLF rebels who have been battling the Addis Ababa based regime attacked and killed three Kenyan policemen before escaping with some weapons.

The incursion is the fifth this year despites protests by Nairobi to the Ethiopian government. Marsabit County Commissioner, Moffat Kangi told the media Saturday the situation was now calm but expressed concerns over Ethiopia’s handling of border issues.

“All cross-border issues are supposed to be addressed at diplomatic level, hence we will be seeking an explanation from Ethiopia on why this happened.
“We want to know why they engaged our police yet we have never intruded into their territory,” said Kangi.

But the Kenyan official said Ethiopia had not formally responded to Kenya’s complaints adding that his country would pursue further diplomatic options to bring the situation to order.