Kenya’s Operation Against Gangs In Marsabit Recovers Weapons, Ammunition
The freshly initiated Operation Ondoa Jangili began on a positive note, with a multi-agency security team in Marsabit raiding Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) hideouts in Sololo and Merti Sub-Counties.
The team found weapons and ammo, walkie-talkies, camera stands, a solar panel, a generator, and marijuana.
There were also other items thought to be used by the militia in carrying out their illegal actions. The procedure began on February 3.
Police said the organization used deep family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and the Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide among the population while continuing to conduct atrocities that have caused incalculable pain.
OPERATION ONDOA JANGILI KICKS OFF ON A HIGH NOTE IN MARSABIT
— Crime Watch Kenya (@CrimeWatch254) February 4, 2025
Building on a series of intelligence and advisory notes from the NIS, the Multi-Agency team deployed in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties initiated a decisive and successful operation targeting criminal elements of the… pic.twitter.com/eTKRNjY4Q4
PUBLIC NOTICE: SECURITY OPERATION IN MARSABIT & ISIOLO COUNTIES
— Crime Watch Kenya (@CrimeWatch254) February 3, 2025
The National Police Service has launched #OperationOndoaJangili to flush out the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), a criminal group involved in arms & drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal mining and cross border… pic.twitter.com/gY3mld2EcU
These recoveries signify the start of long-term efforts to eradicate criminals from the communities.
This also demonstrates the police’s persistent dedication to protecting lives and property and creating a safe environment for local communities, according to spokesperson Michael Muchiri.
He stated that they will continue the exercise to keep the region calm. No arrests have been made thus far.
The operation began when Kenya and Ethiopia accused the OLA of committing crimes in the area.
It also came after President William Ruto met with Ethiopia’s Director General of the National Intelligence Security Service, Redwan Hussien, last month, alongside Kenya’s Director General of the National Intelligence Service, Noordin Haji.
The meeting was held at State House in Nairobi, and the subject is believed to have featured hence the operation.
OLA is an armed resistance group engaged in Ethiopia’s Oromia Region.
The OLA is mostly made up of former armed members of the pre-peace accord with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) who refused to disarm because they were skeptical of the agreement.
OPERATION ONDOA JANGILI TAKES OFF IN MARSABIT AND ISIOLO COUNTIES
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) February 4, 2025
The newly-launched Operation Ondoa Jangili started on a high note when the Multi-Agency Security team in Marsabit on February 3,2025, raided Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) hideouts in Sololo and Merti Sub-Counties pic.twitter.com/xUIKHhw8ds
Others include previous youth protesters who became disillusioned with nonviolent resistance.
Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli and Director DCI Mohamed Amin started the exercise on behalf of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
Kanja stated that the high-level operation will target criminals carrying out illicit operations that represent a major threat to Kenyan national security.
ALSO READ:
- United States Sets Travel Restriction On 3 Separate Dozens Of Countries
- Kenyan Police Killed, Another Wounded And Their Rifles Stolen in Mandera
- ‘Stop Early Campaigns!’ – Raila Tells Politicians
- ‘My Work Is In The Senate!’ – Senator Sifuna Speaks On Missing Ruto’s Nairobi Tour
- Autopsy Reveals Body Injuries On Man Killed By Ruto Motorcade’s Hit-And-Run
“These include arms, drug and human trafficking, illegal mining, instigating tribal conflicts and kidnapping for ransom especially in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti Sub-counties,” he said.
He assured the local residents in the aforementioned areas of their protection, while also calling on them to be calm and cooperate with the security teams.
“Pursuant to the National Police Service’s mandate to protect life and property and preserve peace, special teams of the National Police Service have officially launched the first phase of ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili’ within Marsabit and Isiolo Counties to flush out OLA criminal elements hiding in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, Merti Sub- Counties and its environs.”
“In the spirit of community policing, we appeal to the local communities in the aforementioned operation areas to remain calm, carry on with their daily activities without fear, and cooperate with the National Police Service,” said Kanja.
Kenya’s Operation Against Gangs In Marsabit Recovers Weapons, Ammunition
