Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and County Commissioner Julius Kavita on Monday intervened to ensure successful release of 13 Ethiopian nationals arrested along the Kibish-Karebur-Lokitaung Road in Turkana North.
Addressing the press in Lodwar, the two senior officials clarified that the individuals, including minors were in Turkana for school admissions and were not undocumented aliens as earlier reported by authorities.
Governor Lomorukai said the issue had caused tension and threatened to cause a diplomatic tiff.
Turkana herders often migrate to Ethiopia to graze their livestock during drought season.
“We reached out to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, who became helpful and ensured the release of those arrested,” said Lomorukai.
He added that the two countries are committed to peaceful coexistence.
County Commissioner Kavita stated the arrest was due to misinformation.
He said the parents were attracted to the high quality of Kenya education.
“We shall liaise with the county director of education to get the details of the foreign students in the county. We are keen to promote movement of people from our neighbouring countries,” said Kavita.
By Peter Gitonga
