Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli addressing journalists at Marsabit County during the Operation Ondoa Jangili. Photo/NPS
By Daisy Okiring
The Kenyan government has launched Operation Ondoa Jangili, a large-scale security operation aimed at eliminating banditry and militia activity in Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
The operation, which began on February 3, 2025, targets criminal groups responsible for cattle rustling, highway robberies, and cross-border smuggling.
Security forces have already raided hideouts linked to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Sololo and Merti subcounties, recovering weapons, ammunition, walkie-talkies, solar panels, and other items believed to be used in criminal activities.
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Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, who is overseeing the operation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace in the region.
“This operation is designed to flush out criminal elements and ensure that the people of Marsabit and Isiolo can live without fear. We have intelligence that foreign militia groups are hiding among local populations, and we will not relent until they are eliminated,” Masengeli said.
The OLA militia, which originates from Ethiopia, has been exploiting ethnic and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and the Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate communities and engage in smuggling, illegal mining, and human trafficking. Authorities believe that the militia is using proceeds from these illegal activities to fund its operations, worsening insecurity in the region.
Masengeli warned that the government was closely monitoring the situation and working with Ethiopian authorities to prevent further incursions.
“We have engaged the Ethiopian government to ensure that the militia does not use the border as a safe haven. The Kenyan people deserve security, and we will do everything possible to achieve that,” he added.
A history of banditry in Marsabit
Banditry has been a long-standing problem in Marsabit and Northern Kenya, dating back several decades.
Initially, livestock raiding was a cultural practice among pastoralist communities, helping them restock their herds after losses caused by drought or disease. However, over time, cattle rustling has transformed into a violent criminal enterprise, often involving heavily armed gangs.
Ethnic rivalries, the proliferation of illegal firearms from Ethiopia and Somalia, and harsh climatic conditions leading to competition over scarce resources have fueled these conflicts. In recent years, the situation has been aggravated by the involvement of foreign militia groups such as OLA, which are linked to organized crime networks operating across the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
The violence has taken a devastating toll on local communities. In July 2022, an attack in Saku left over 20 people dead, while a separate incident in North Horr in 2023 claimed 15 lives. Security operations have been launched periodically, but the vast and remote nature of the region has made it difficult to maintain a lasting security presence.
Security operations and their impact
The Kenyan government has stepped up efforts to combat insecurity, and recent initiatives have yielded notable results.
According to data from the Ministry of Interior, since the launch of Operation Maliza Uhalifu in February 2023, cattle rustling incidents have dropped by 62 percent, with the number of stolen livestock decreasing from 63,054 to 23,668.
Security forces have also seized 172 illegal firearms and arrested more than 250 suspects, including individuals accused of financing criminal activity. Over 10,000 head of cattle have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners. To strengthen security operations, the government has recruited and trained 1,702 National Police Reservists (NPRs), with 400 new officers deployed to Marsabit in January 2024.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali has called on residents to support these security efforts by cooperating with law enforcement.
“We must work together to end this cycle of violence. Security forces cannot do it alone; we need the people to report criminal activity and support peacebuilding efforts,” Governor Ali said.
The path to lasting peace
While Operation Ondoa Jangili is expected to significantly reduce banditry and militia activity, experts argue that sustainable peace will require more than just security operations. The government has announced plans to invest in education, infrastructure, and alternative livelihoods to provide economic opportunities for young people and reduce reliance on cattle rustling and illegal trade.
During a recent visit to Marsabit, President William Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“Security operations alone will not solve the problem. We are also prioritizing economic development so that young people in these regions have better opportunities,” Ruto said.
For now, security forces remain on high alert, vowing to sustain Operation Ondoa Jangili until all criminal elements are eliminated. The success of the operation will be key in determining whether Marsabit and neighboring counties can finally experience lasting peace and stability.
