8 arrested as police step up search for kidnapped South Koreans in Moyale

The incident, which happened on the night of August 12, 2024, involved two armed assailants raiding Odda Mission Secondary School, where the victims were staying.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects fled the scene on motorcycles, heading towards Funanyatta along the Marsabit-Moyale Expressway while firing. A rapid multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched immediately.

As a result, eight suspects have since been detained, including six Ethiopian nationals. The suspects were produced before the Moyale Magistrates’ Court on 13 August 2024 and granted a 10-day remand order to facilitate ongoing investigations.

Security forces have recovered three cartridges from the crime scene, which have been handed over to the DCI Forensic Laboratory for ballistic analysis.

On Thursday, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Gilbert Masengeli, visited the scene of the abduction accompanied by the Member of Parliament for the area, Prof Jaldesa Guyo Waqo, and senior security officials, including the GSU Commander, Mr Ranson Lolmodooni; the director of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, Mr. Said Kiprotich; and Border Police Unit Commander Isaac Alimaa.

In a meeting with regional and county security teams, Mr Masengeli stressed the importance of increased cooperation between multi-agency security teams and the public. He urged local residents to provide any information that could help solve the case and ensure the safe return of the hostages.

Mr DCI Mohamed Amin echoed the call for collaborative efforts, stressing the need for unified action to ensure that the hostages are safely recovered.

The National Police Service appealed to anyone with relevant information about the abduction to contact the DCI toll free number 0800 722 203, or contact the NPS helpline 999/112/911 or the nearest police station.