Kenyan police are pursuing a crackdown against members of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) accused of criminal activities in Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
It is believed OLA has found a safe haven in Kenya where the outfit traffics illegal arms and narcotics, engages in human smuggling, deals in contraband goods, conducts cross-border incursions, carries out illegal mining, instigates tribal conflicts and kidnaps for ransom.
OLA has its roots in neighbouring Ethiopia where it is considered to be a terrorist group.
Kenya has now launched an offensive targeting members who have hideouts in Sololo, North Horr and Merti sub counties, according to Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli who is leading the onslaught dubbed Operation Ondoa Jangili that started on January 3, 2025. "The militia group has taken advantage of close family and cultural ties between the Borana in Kenya and Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide among the populations in Marsabit and Isiolo counties, and continue to commit atrocities causing untold suffering to communities living along the Kenya-Ethiopia border who have endured intimidation, forceful takeover of property and sexual assault against women and girls," said Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
