A joint Kenya-Ethiopia security operation has resurfaced past traumas for Kenya’s Oromo community, recalling memories of the 1967 Dhaaba Massacre.
In 1967 the NFD region of Kenya faced one of the worst human rights violations in post independence Kenya historyknown as the Dhaaba Massacre.
The Somali populated regions desired to secede from Kenya and join the Greater Somalia project. With little to no knowledge of the difference between Somalis and the Oromo speaking communities, the Kenyan military killed hundreds, raped, tortured and stole thousands of cattle from Oromos, likening them with Somalis who mostly at that point fled the inhumane consequences of their quest for self-determination , leaving as a result the Boranas, the Gabra and the Sakuye to face the backlash.
Recently, horrifying events echoing those of the 60s have come back to haunt the community I hail from. The Ethiopian Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and the Kenyan National Intelligence Service (NIS) released a statement on February 4, that said the operation follows discussions between the two senior security officials, its Director General, Redwan Hussein and Kenya’s National Intelligence Service Director General, Noordin Mohamed Haji. The agency stated that the two countries had agreed to strengthen “regional security and intelligence cooperation.”
The announcement comes after Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) launched its security operation, ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili,’ targeting what it described as “criminals conducting illegal operations” in Marsabit and Isiolo counties. A statement from the NPS on February 3 said the operation aims to “flush out hideouts” used for “arms, drug and human trafficking, illegal mining,” and “instigating tribal conflicts.”
Many, including supporters of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) , have suspected that the operation is aimed at targeting the group’s operation along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
On its part OLA has denied involvement in criminal activities, stating that it “fully respects Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The group asserted that “over 95%” of its Southern Command force operates deep within Oromia, “with only a small presence near the border.” It also expressed willingness to cooperate with Kenyan authorities in “addressing criminal elements” along the border.
KNCHR has condemned human rights violations during the “Ondoa Jangili” operation in Isiolo and Marsabit.
Despite the clear statement from OLF/OLA, the Kenyan government claims that the armed group has an ideology of a “Greater Oromia” that sees the annexation lands inhabited by Kenyan Oromos, namely, Marsabit, Isiolo and Tana River County. A press statement released by Commanding officer Pharies Emitundo on February 22, 2025, showed clear propaganda to justify the operation filled with ethnic profiling. Video footage and framing on various Kenyan news channels that reported the operation similarly reflected an othering narrative targeting the Oromo community in both Ethiopia and Kenya.
In a statement on March 5, 2025, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) accused police of killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and property confiscation.
The cases include the fatal shootings, abductions of seven men, and the torture of a chief, a medic, and two locals.Ten civilians were beaten on March 3, and a five-year-old boy was detained to force his father’s surrender.
KNCHR urged Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate and called for accountability and aid for affected residents.
Peaceful villages such as Irrees Haa Boruu, Sericho Ward, Isiolo County with 600 houses, an area chief, and two police officers who are stationed at a mabati police post were subjected to state violence.
Serious crime in this village is handled at the Maddo-Gaashe (Modogashe) police station. Despite pleas by the community for improved security falling to deaf ears, during the operation, heavily armed police, exceeding the need of the area arrived and disturb the peace of the village in the name of Operation Ondoa Jangilit to curb a non-existent threat.
The operation has stoked fear, raised anxiety and is sowing the seeds of mistrust between the security apparatus and the community .
A new theory spreading amongst the Oromo of Kenya suggests that the two heads of intelligence conjured up a plan to disintegrate the community and destroy any plans of inter border development.
The future of Kenyan Oromos are uncertain as we witness a repeat of 1967, considered not “Kenyan enough” and denied by Ethiopia.