Mandera County turns thorny for Kenya’s Ethiopians

MANDERA: ETHIOPIAN nationals living in Mandera County in northeastern Kenya have reported receiving death threats if they fail to leave the area by February 5, 2026. The migrants say the situation has become tense and poses a serious threat to their safety.

Speaking to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on condition of anonymity, several migrants said they have been subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrests and extortion. Some reported being taken by police from public transport vehicles and detained without clear explanations.

The Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya, led by Ambassador Demeke Atnafu, has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation.

The ambassador said issues relating to migrants’ legal status fall under government authorities, emphasizing that the government has a responsibility to provide protection.

One migrant, a father of two who has lived in Mandera for over eight years, said Ethiopians in the area have invested in economic activities, including motorcycle transport and the hospitality sector.

He said they were surprised by the sudden demand for them to leave despite years of peaceful coexistence.

According to witnesses, the tension is largely driven by economic grievances, with some local residents accusing Ethiopians of taking over business opportunities.

Witnesses said the situation worsened after the killing of an Ethiopian migrant last week in an area known as Burabur, an incident that reportedly triggered a campaign demanding Ethiopians leave Mandera, with threats allegedly broadcast through loudspeakers mounted on vehicles.