Five Kenyan chiefs who were abducted by al-Shabaab militants in February have been released, bringing relief to their families and the larger Mandera community. The officials were freed from captivity in Jilb, Somalia, on Sunday, April 6, as confirmed by elders involved in the negotiations.
The chiefs—Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow, and Senior Chief Abdi Suraw were taken by gunmen on February 3 while traveling from Wargadud to Elwak. The abduction occurred just a day before President William Ruto began his tour of Northeastern counties. The chiefs were ambushed and taken to Somalia, where they were held for more than two months.
Local leaders played a key role in the negotiations, which ultimately led to their release. The freed chiefs were handed over to Garreh elders in Jilb, and plans are underway to bring them back to Elwak, Kenya. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is expected to comment on their release during his ongoing tour of the Coast region.
While the government has not confirmed the specifics of any ransom payment, reports suggest that a ransom demand was made. However, it remains unclear whether or not it was met. The abduction has highlighted ongoing security challenges in the region, particularly along the porous Kenya-Somalia border, where al-Shabaab militants frequently stage attacks.
President Ruto had condemned the abductions, calling them a desperate attempt to destabilize the region. He assured the public that the government would not allow criminals to cause panic and emphasized efforts to secure the country. The abduction incident occurred just 25 kilometers from the border, suggesting the attackers had prior knowledge of the area.
The situation in Mandera continues to pose security challenges, with cross-border incursions and occasional attacks by al-Shabaab militants. Despite these threats, the government remains committed to stabilizing the region and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
