Members of Parliament on Tuesday questioned the Ministry of Defence over the February 2025 Todonyang massacre in Turkana County, where armed attackers killed more than 40 civilians and many others remain missing.

The MPs sought detailed updates on investigations, border security, and diplomatic efforts to address cross-border threats.

The National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations had pressed Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya and Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru for answers regarding government actions to secure Kenya’s northern borders and prevent similar future attacks.

Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin, who requested the statement, asked about the status of investigations, security arrangements along Lake Turkana, and compensation for the families of the victims.“Are you telling this Committee the State is unable to secure its borders?” Nabuin asked.

MPs also questioned the absence of a formal diplomatic protest to Ethiopia despite reports that the attackers may have crossed from there.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan emphasized the issue’s national importance: “This is not just about Turkana, it is about Kenya’s sovereignty. What assurance can you give that the perpetrators will face justice?”

“Why was there no protestation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Government of Ethiopia? What action was taken since February 2025?” Yusuf pressed.

Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi warned about the frequent recurrence of such attacks, saying: “We cannot be coming here every few months to discuss killings in Turkana. What is the real obstacle to lasting security?”

CS Soipan Tuya confirmed that a protest note had been sent to Ethiopia and that Kenya’s Defence Attaché in Addis Ababa was engaging with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defence.

She outlined ongoing security efforts, including reinforcement of police units in Turkana East by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), use of helicopters for aerial surveillance, and strengthening of border security posts.

“We are committed to increasing military presence and improving rapid response capacity. The security of Kenyans is our top priority, and the Government is taking all necessary measures to prevent recurrence,” Tuya said.

When asked whether Ethiopian armed forces had entered and operated inside Kenyan territory, Tuya said there was no formal confirmation of Ethiopian government forces permanently occupying Kenyan land but acknowledged cross-border movements by armed groups linked to pastoral conflicts.

“We have no formal confirmation at the military-to-military level that Ethiopian government forces are permanently occupying Kenyan territory. However, we have confirmed cross-border movements by armed elements,” she explained.

Committee Chair Nelson Koech said lawmakers would continue pursuing further information in a joint closed session with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs to address the broader security and diplomatic challenges concerning the Turkana–Ethiopia border.“The Committee notes the responses. We will pursue a joint closed session with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs to address the broader security and diplomatic aspects of the Turkana–Ethiopia issue,” Koech stated.