The attack, which happened on Saturday evening, was reportedly carried out by gunmen believed to be from Ethiopia.
It took place at the Todonyang border in Turkana County, an area that has seen past conflicts between Kenyan and Ethiopian communities.
Speaking on Sunday at Ngoron Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Tiaty, Baringo County, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reassured Kenyans that efforts were underway to resolve the security crisis.
"There is no need for panic. We are fully committed to ensuring that our people are safe.
We are working closely with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and Ethiopian authorities to restore law and order," Murkomen said.
He further explained that discussions between Kenyan and Ethiopian officials were ongoing to find a long-term solution to the conflict.
"Security matters cannot be solved overnight, but I want to assure you that as a government, we are taking this issue seriously.
Calm is slowly returning to the affected area, and we will do everything possible to prevent further attacks," he added.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja echoed Murkomen’s sentiments, saying security teams in Turkana County had been deployed to assess the situation.
"We are working hand in hand with Ethiopian security officials to verify the reports and ensure that appropriate action is taken.
I urge the affected communities to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands," Kanja stated.
The attack is believed to be linked to tensions between Turkana fishermen and the Dassanach community from Ethiopia, who have frequently clashed over fishing rights in the shared waters.
Authorities suspect this incident may have been a revenge attack.
Meanwhile, Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati confirmed that additional officers had been sent to the area.
"Our priority is the safety of the people. We have deployed more personnel to monitor the situation and respond to any threats," Ombati said.
Some of the injured victims have already been evacuated for treatment, while security forces continue to gather information on the attack.
"We are waiting for a full report, but I can assure you that the government is doing everything necessary to maintain peace," Murkomen emphasized.
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