The recovered RPG in Moyale

A 65-year-old woman has been killed in Moyale, Marsabit County, after she was reportedly struck by a suspected stray bullet believed to have come from ongoing clashes in neighbouring Ethiopia.

The incident has heightened security concerns along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, where residents have previously reported bullets hitting buildings and unexploded explosives landing on Kenyan soil.

The deceased, identified as Amina Guchi, was at the Moyale County offices, next to Moyale Law Courts, when the incident happened on Monday, November 2, 2026.

According to police, Guchi was speaking to a security official on duty when an object believed to be a stray bullet struck her on the head from behind.

She collapsed and lost consciousness before being rushed to Moyale Sub-County Referral Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police officers later visited the hospital, where a post-mortem examination was conducted before her body was released to the family for burial arrangements.

Preliminary reports suggest the suspected bullet may have originated from fighting between two regions in Ethiopia. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

The latest death comes days after security officers in Moyale safely detonated three rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) that reportedly landed in the area from neighbouring Ethiopia.

The explosives were discovered on Sunday, November 1, following a report about unexploded materials near Sessi Primary School.

Two of the RPGs were found at the Meteorological Department offices, while another was discovered at Sessi Primary School.

Police and a team of bomb disposal experts from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), based at Odha, rushed to the locations.

The security team established that the materials were three RPGs, which were secured, removed and safely detonated by the bomb experts.

Police said no injuries were reported and the situation in the area remained calm. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious objects or unexploded explosives to security agencies.

The discovery disrupted learning and examinations at Sessi Primary School.

Security concerns along the border have also forced the relocation of two Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination centres in Moyale Sub-County.

The decision was made to protect candidates and examination personnel as more than one million candidates began their written papers in the 2026 national examinations on Monday.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said the relocation demonstrated the Ministry of Education's preparedness to respond swiftly to security threats and other emerging challenges that could disrupt national examinations.

The incidents come amid escalating clashes in neighbouring Ethiopia, which have triggered a growing refugee crisis in northern Kenya.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned of increasing humanitarian needs after an estimated 50,000 people fled the violence and crossed into Moyale in search of safety.

The agency said significant cross-border movements had been reported since October 22, with the number of arrivals remaining fluid as registration and verification efforts continued.

Local authorities estimate that up to 50,000 people have entered Kenya, with reports suggesting further crossings could increase the number of those requiring assistance.

Many of the people fleeing the violence are women and children, raising concerns about their protection and access to essential services.

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

Gunfire was reported for much of Thursday in the neighbouring Ethiopian Moyale area, prompting more people to cross into Kenya.

According to UNHCR, some of the arrivals are staying with relatives and host communities, while others have sought temporary shelter in schools and churches.

Food is the most urgent need, alongside safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation and healthcare.

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

Other partners include the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the Kenya Red Cross Society.

The refugee agency is mobilising emergency relief supplies, including household items and temporary shelter materials, to support nearly 12,000 people as efforts to expand assistance continue.

Humanitarian agencies are also assessing the protection and relief needs of those who have crossed the border.

UNHCR, together with UNICEF, IOM and WFP, is seeking $8.9 million to support up to 50,000 people who have fled Ethiopia into Kenya over the next three months.

The proposed funding will provide food, shelter, water and sanitation, as well as registration and protection services, particularly for children.

The agencies have also warned that additional resources will be critical in easing pressure on host communities and ensuring that those fleeing the clashes can access basic necessities and protection.