Kenya arrests 43 Ethiopian rebels

Aug 17, 2006 (NAIROBI) — Kenyan security forces have arrested 43 people suspected to be rebel Ethiopian Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) militiamen in Moyale and Marsabit districts in northern Kenya.

Police spokesperson Gideon Kibunja told The Standard that 998 animals have been recovered in the ongoing security operation in the clash-torn districts.

Kibunja said the operation was aimed at flushing out all the rebel OLF members in the border districts. The recovered animals were stolen a month ago when armed Ethiopian raiders attacked a village in Dukana and drove away more than 2,000 animals.

Kibunja said the operation, which has been going on for the past one week, is also targeting local bandits who have been terrorizing residents.

“The operation will go on until we get rid of suspected OLF rebels from Ethiopia and local criminals,” said Kibunja.

The OLF said, in a press statement, “the OLF takes no policing responsibility for individuals, Oromo, Kenyan, or other citizens, taking illicit activities, such as banditry, inside or outside Oromia”.

The Oromo rebel movement said “OLF political and military activities are directed only and strictly against the Ethiopian regime” The statement urged Kenya to stop joint military operations in northern Kenya with the Ethiopian government

(ST)