Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds have destroyed 20 traditional houses in Kobb Dertu Village, El Beso Sub-Location, North Horr Sub-County, Marsabit County, leaving 23 households without shelter.

The traditional houses, largely constructed using locally available materials, were unable to withstand the heavy downpour and strong winds that pounded the area.

Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande confirmed the incident, saying no injuries or loss of life had been reported.

Kamande said the incident affected 23 households, leaving the families without shelter as the region receives rain.

The County Commissioner said the North Horr Sub-County security team had been dispatched to the affected area to assess the situation, adding that the government had already provided relief food to support the affected families.

Meanwhile, the commissioner reported an insecurity incident in Loiyangalani Sub-County last week that led to the killing of a National Police Reservist, triggering tension and conflict in the area.

He said security agencies, including the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU).intervened and restored calm.

On the situation in Moyale, Kamande said the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Ethiopia continued to pose security concerns along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

He noted that over 40,000 Ethiopians families fleeing the conflict had sought refuge in Kenya, with some accommodated in schools, where they are receiving humanitarian assistance from the government and development partners, including food supplies facilitated through the Kenya Red Cross.

The CC appealed for peace to prevail in Ethiopia, saying stability would enable displaced families and those seeking refuge in Kenya to return to their homes.

He further expressed concerns over stray bullets and explosive crossing into Kenyan territory, forcing some residents living along the border to abandon their homes for fear of being hit.

Kamande revealed that over the weekend, an RPG rocket-propelled grenade reportedly landed on the Kenyan side of the border.

He said residents reported the incident to the police, who worked jointly with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to secure and neutralize the explosive.

Kamande assured residents that security agencies remained alert and were working together to protect lives and property, amid the prevailing security challenges.

By Anthony Melly