Turkana ruins rekindle massacre memories

Nestled along the volatile Kenya-Ethiopia border, Todonyang remains a ghostly shadow of its former self—a village marred by insecurity, displacement, and abandonment.

Once a thriving hub for the Turkana community, the deadly militia attacks of 2011 left the area desolate, forcing hundreds of families to flee and leaving behind ruins of essential infrastructure.

The aftermath of the attacks saw key institutions, including the Todonyang dispensary and primary school, reduced to shells of their former selves.

The militia vandalised classrooms, stealing iron sheets, which they used to set up makeshift huts in Natiira village. What remains now are debris-strewn grounds and crumbling structures—stark evidence of the attack.

“We were forced to flee to safer ground in Lowarengak about 25 kilometres away following a deadly attack by the militia. The militia then returned and vandalised the dispensary and school and stole iron sheets and other construction materials,” said Akuwam Lowoyakaru,  a resident

Another resident, Mark Eleo, a survivor of the recent massacre that claimed 30 lives, claimed that the militia have been vandalising major infrastructure in the region.

“We live in fear for our lives because of the terror group that controls Natiira and the Lopeimukat belt along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. The militia have been terrorising residents and carrying out acts of vandalism. Most of their houses were built using iron sheets stolen from our institutions,” Eleo said.

In the face of devastation, the Catholic Church emerged as a beacon of hope, spearheading efforts to rebuild the community.

“The Church relocated the dispensary to a new site, fully managing the facility, paying staff salaries, and providing essential drugs. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have also partnered with the Church to support immunisation programmes and additional services,” said Fr Wycliffe Owiye of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Mission.

He added that the Catholic Church established two schools catering to children from both the Turkana and Dassanech communities.

The schools serve not only as education centres but also as symbols of peaceful coexistence, bringing together children from warring communities.

“The schools are meant to break the cycle of conflict and help children understand the importance of living together in peace,” he added.

Despite these efforts, he said, the community still grapples with a lack of basic infrastructure. All water points, health services, and social facilities are under the management of the Church, with little intervention from the government.

Fr Owiye called on the government to invest in sustainable projects that could economically empower the locals, particularly in the lucrative fishing sector along Lake Turkana.

“Todonyang is rich in fish and business opportunities. If the government can provide security, infrastructure, and economic empowerment projects, the community can thrive again,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the government has promised to restore security in the volatile region to ensure vicious attacks from the militia do not recur.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen said security will be reinforced at the Todonyang border point. He added that the government will also empower local police reservists to support border patrols.

“We shall enhance security at the border point to protect the lives of residents. Plans are also underway to open a One-Stop Border Post to regulate the movement of people in and out of the country,” the CS said.

As Todonyang awaits its rebirth, the ruins stand as silent witnesses to both the pain of abandonment and the enduring hope for a peaceful future.