KCSE candidates relocated after grenades and stray bullets from Ethiopia clashes hit Moyale schools

KCSE candidates relocated after grenades and stray bullets from Ethiopia clashes hit Moyale schools

The incident, which reportedly took place on Sunday night, has heightened security concerns in the area, forcing KCSE candidates at Sessi Mixed Secondary School and St Mary’s Mixed Secondary School to relocate to safer locations.

Security officers have safely detonated three rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) that landed in Moyale, Marsabit County, after being fired from neighbouring Ethiopia, amid escalating clashes along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

The incident, which reportedly took place on Sunday night, has heightened security concerns in the area, forcing KCSE candidates at Sessi Mixed Secondary School and St Mary’s Mixed Secondary School to relocate to safer locations.

According to Moyale Deputy County Commissioner Benedict Munywoki, the relocation was necessary after stray bullets from Ethiopia hit Sessi school, raising fears over the safety of learners as fighting continues across the border.

Ali Haro, a resident of Sessi, said the explosions had left families frightened, with children struggling to sleep because of the danger posed by the cross-border fighting.

“Last night, at around 8:30 pm, a bomb was fired from Ethiopia and landed here, where it exploded. Our lives are in danger, and the children cannot sleep. We are going through a very difficult situation, and we therefore want security. We want to be safe,” Ali said.

The three explosives were discovered on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after authorities received a report about unexploded materials that had landed near Sessi Primary School.

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Police said one of the RPGs was found at Sessi Primary School, while the other two landed at the Meteorological Department offices.

Officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), including bomb disposal experts based at Odha, were dispatched to the affected locations to assess the situation.

The security team identified the objects as rocket-propelled grenades before securing and removing them for safe detonation.

Police confirmed that no injuries were reported during the operation and said the situation in the area remained calm. Residents were, however, asked to remain alert and report any suspicious objects or unexploded explosives to security agencies.

The incident is the second security scare reported in the area since fighting erupted in neighbouring Ethiopia. About two weeks ago, at least three people were injured after bullets struck structures in the area.

Meanwhile, the fighting has triggered a major humanitarian crisis, with more than 50,000 people reportedly fleeing Ethiopia and crossing into Kenya through Moyale.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned of growing humanitarian needs in northern Kenya, saying large numbers of people have crossed the border since October 22.

The number of arrivals remains fluid as registration and verification exercises continue, with local authorities estimating that up to 50,000 people have entered the country. Further crossings could increase the number of people requiring assistance.

Women and children make up a large proportion of those fleeing the violence, raising concerns over their safety and access to essential services.

The conflict reportedly began two weeks ago after the alleged raising of the Somali Regional State flag in Ethiopia, triggering clashes between forces and groups from the Oromia and Somali regional states.

UNHCR said some of the new arrivals were staying with relatives and host communities, while others had taken shelter in schools and churches.

Food remains the most urgent need, followed by clean drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation and healthcare.

UNHCR has deployed an emergency team to Moyale and is coordinating the response with the Kenyan government through the Department of Refugee Services and county authorities.

Other organisations supporting the operation include the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the Kenya Red Cross Society and other humanitarian agencies.