A multi-agency security team on Monday launched ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili’, a special crackdown targeting hideouts used by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
The operation follows accusations from both Kenya and Ethiopia that the OLA has been engaging in criminal activities in the region. It also comes after President William Ruto met with Ethiopia’s Director General of National Intelligence Security Service, Redwan Hussien, alongside Kenya’s Director General of National Intelligence Service, Noordin Haji, at State House in Nairobi.
Launching the operation on behalf of Inspector General Douglas Kanja, top security officials—including Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli and DCI Director Mohamed Amin—said the exercise aims to eliminate security threats such as arms trafficking, drug and human trafficking, illegal mining, tribal conflicts, and kidnappings.
Authorities noted that the OLA militia has infiltrated local communities, leveraging close family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and the Oromo of Ethiopia to blend in and carry out attacks. These include property takeovers, intimidation, and sexual violence against women and girls.
Kanja assured residents of their security, urging them to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement.
The Kenyan government has since declared Marsabit and Isiolo security zones due to rising criminal activities, including gangs targeting gold mining sites. Despite the security measures, mining-related violence has led to multiple deaths in the area.
