- Operation “Ondoa Jangili” was launched on February 3, 2025, targeting Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) militants in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties.
- Security forces recovered:
- 10 types of firearms and ammunition
- Fake US Dollars and Ethiopian Birr currency
- A water truck, 9 motorcycles, and 2 vehicles
- 200 kg of marijuana
- Solar panels, military equipment, and food supplies
- 14 criminal camps linked to OLA remnants have been destroyed.
- The operation has curbed illegal activities, including arms trafficking, border raids, and human smuggling.
- Residents urged to cooperate as security forces continue efforts to restore stability.
Kenyan security forces have intensified efforts to neutralize criminal elements operating in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties under the ongoing Operation “Ondoa Jangili.” The operation, which began on February 3, 2025, specifically targets remnants of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an armed opposition group from Ethiopia’s Oromia Region.
During a security briefing on Saturday, February 22, Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri announced that 14 makeshift camps believed to be used by the militants had been destroyed.
Weapons and Contraband Recovered
Security agencies have made significant recoveries, including:
- 10 types of firearms and ammunition
- Gun bags and military equipment
- Fake US Dollar and Ethiopian Birr currency
- A water truck, 9 motorcycles, and 2 vehicles
- A sack of marijuana weighing approximately 200 kilograms
- Solar panels, food, and other survival supplies
Muchiri emphasized that the crackdown had disrupted criminal activities, including arms trafficking, illegal mining, human smuggling, and kidnappings for ransom.
High-Level Security Meeting Behind the Operation
The operation follows a January 2025 security meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto, Ethiopian National Intelligence Director Redwan Hussien, and Kenyan National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji. Discussions at State House, Nairobi, reportedly influenced the decision to intensify security measures along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
OLA, which emerged from factions of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), remains active in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia, refusing to disarm due to mistrust in past peace agreements.
Security Assurances and Call for Public Cooperation
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, confirmed that the operation aims to dismantle criminal networks responsible for illegal activities in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti Sub-Counties.
“These criminals have exploited family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and the Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide among locals. We are determined to eliminate these threats to national security,” Kanja stated.
He assured local communities of their safety, urging them to cooperate with security agencies by providing vital intelligence to ensure the success of the operation.
