Moyale, Kenya — Hundreds of Ethiopians have crossed into Kenya following gunfire and rising tensions near the border town of Moyale, prompting police to report security incidents and the Kenya Red Cross to prepare emergency assistance for displaced families.

Kenyan police said the arrivals began on Wednesday, with women, children and young people making up most of those entering the country. The crossings took place through several areas of Moyale, including Sessi, Kore, Biashara, Foundation and Miti.

A police security brief attributed the movement to tensions between leaders of Ethiopia’s Oromia and Somali regional states. Gunfire was reportedly heard on the Ethiopian side from about 5:50 a.m. on Thursday and continued afterwards. Authorities have not identified the source of the shooting.

The violence also raised concerns for residents on the Kenyan side of the border. According to a police report, a bullet struck a metal support bar at the Moyale police station’s football ground before hitting a police officer on the head. The officer was not injured.

A woman was also shot in the neck and taken to a private hospital in Moyale, where the bullet was removed. She was reported to be in a stable condition. In another incident, a bullet shattered a window at La-Tahsan Hotel. Police did not establish where the bullets came from.

As more people arrived from Ethiopia, the Kenya Red Cross began preparing temporary shelter and organising the distribution of essential supplies. The relief items include cereal and fortified porridge flour to support families who fled with few belongings.

The organisation said its initial humanitarian response was expected to reach 1,000 households. The assistance is intended to address immediate needs as displaced families seek food, shelter and other basic services.

The latest arrivals highlight the vulnerability of communities living along the Ethiopia-Kenya border, where insecurity can quickly trigger population movements and place pressure on local resources. The situation remains fluid as authorities monitor the border and humanitarian organisations prepare to assist those affected.

Stay connected with AGCNewsNet for more news across Africa.