An unknown object, possibly satellite debris or a meteorite, crashed in Moyale, Kenya, near the Ethiopian border, sparking concern and curiosity among residents. No official confirmation has been issued yet.
Kenya’s airspace is again under scrutiny following an incident in Moyale, where an unidentified object crashed near the Kenya-Ethiopia border late Thursday night. Around 11 PM, residents spotted glowing objects streaking across the sky, leading to speculation that the items may have been space debris or a crash.
The objects are reported to have landed with considerable force, emitting a noticeable burning smell upon impact. While authorities have yet to release an official statement, witnesses suspect the object could be space debris. Experts, however, are also considering the possibility that the event might involve a meteorite.
This incident follows a similar occurrence just over a week ago when a large metal ring crashed in Makueni County, Kenya. The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) identified the object as a separation ring from a rocket launch vehicle. The agency later removed the ring and transported it to Nairobi for further examination.
This recent event raises questions about the growing amount of space debris in Earth’s orbit, which poses a growing risk of collision. According to the European Space Agency, Earth’s orbit is cluttered with over 170 million pieces of debris, with thousands of objects larger than 10 cm.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and avoid approaching any fallen objects, as they could be hazardous, containing harmful or radioactive substances. The Kenya Space Agency is closely monitoring the situation, and investigations are expected to confirm the nature of the object soon.
While there is a possibility that the object in Moyale is related to the earlier rocket debris incident, experts are also considering it could be a natural event. Either way, further inquiries are expected to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Kenya and Ethiopia may also explore seeking compensation from India if the object is confirmed to be related to the recent rocket debris that fell in Makueni County.