AP records sporadic gunfire Oct 30, trucks stranded at border, first baby born in Moyale camp, UN seeks $8.9m
MOYALE, Kenya — The number of Ethiopians fleeing across the border into Kenya has surged to 50,000, up sharply from 36,000 reported just three days earlier, as sporadic gunfire continued to be heard from the Ethiopian side of the border on Thursday and Friday morning.
An Associated Press journalist stationed on the Kenyan side recorded bursts of gunfire on October 30, confirming that fighting in the disputed Ethiopian border town of Moyale remains active despite relative calm on the Kenyan side.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said arrival figures remain fluid, warning that numbers could rise further overnight as more families continue to cross.
Border erupts after Oct 18 incident
Tensions began on October 18 after a Somali regional flag was raised in an area administered by Oromia regional state, sparking clashes between communities. The killing of a 13-year-old girl, identified as Diqqoo Jaataan Aagaa, in the contested zone is cited as the immediate trigger for escalation.
According to military analyst James Chemiati and ACLED data, Oromia and Somali regional forces have since exchanged fire, drawing in Borana and Garre communities amid a long-running 30-year boundary dispute dating to Ethiopia’s 1995 constitution, which created ethnically-defined regional states.
Moyale is a divided town — one side administered by Oromia, the other by Somali region. The area has seen previous deadly clashes in 2012 and 2017.
Gunfire, stranded trucks, rising toll
AP journalists reported sporadic gunfire throughout Thursday and Friday morning, with bullets heard periodically. Trucks carrying food and fuel remain stranded on both sides of the border crossing, disrupting trade.
ACLED analysis reports 9 killed on the Ethiopian side and 8 injured on the Kenyan side from stray bullets. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has called for urgent humanitarian assistance.
Deputy County Commissioner for Moyale Sub-County Benedict Munywoki told AP that counting exact numbers is difficult due to continuous new arrivals.
Kenya Red Cross Upper Eastern Region head Malik Adan said the biggest camp, relocated out of town, now holds about 5,000 people, mostly women and children.
Aid response intensifies
United Nations agencies are appealing for Sh1.16 billion ($8.9 million) to support refugees over the next three months. UNHCR Representative in Kenya Fatima Mohammed-Cole said the agency is working with IOM and UNICEF to mobilize emergency relief supplies, including household items and temporary shelter for 12,000 people.
IOM Chief of Mission Nomagugu Ncube said the government and partners are planning a response covering up to 80,000 people in anticipation of further arrivals.
Governor Mohamud Ali of Marsabit County visited the Odda Mission Church school on Thursday, where 4,800 refugees are sheltering across five camps. “We are overwhelmed but committed to protecting those who have fled,” Ali said.
“We woke up to the sounds of gunshots across the border. The biggest camp has about 5,000 people, mostly women and children,” Adan said.
In a sign of life amid crisis, the Kenya Red Cross reported the first baby born to a refugee mother was safely delivered at a local hospital on Friday — a healthy baby girl to a displaced mother from Moyale town.
Local leaders have warned that arrivals could overwhelm communities already struggling with food and water shortages, with refugees sheltering in schools, churches, and with relatives.
EastAfricanReport.com — Moyale Day 10 — Live Updates
SOURCE: AP, UNHCR, IOM, Kenya Red Cross, Marsabit County, ACLED
PHOTO: Ethiopian refugees shelter at Moyale camp Oct 29-30, 2026
By East African Report | Moyale, Kenya | October 31, 2026 – 6:30 AM EAT
