President William Ruto has reassured the nation that the five chiefs abducted by suspected terrorists in Mandera will be brought back safely, pledging to intensify the fight against criminal gangs and terrorist groups in the region. Speaking during his visit to Mandera, Ruto emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring security in northern Kenya.
The five chiefs were ambushed and kidnapped by militants on Monday while en route to Elwak, Mandera, to plan for Ruto’s visit. The attack, which occurred between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki, is believed to have been a deliberate attempt to intimidate the president and deter his trip to the region. Ruto, however, expressed his determination to continue with his plans, describing the perpetrators as “foolish” and “mad” for thinking they could stop him from visiting Mandera.
Accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, Ruto assured the country that the government would use all available resources to secure the release of the abducted chiefs. He stated, “We will go above and beyond, in every direction, to resolve this issue,” underscoring his government’s resolve to defeat the terror groups operating in the region.
Ruto also pointed out that significant progress has been made in weakening al-Shabaab’s ability to terrorize Kenyan citizens, and he promised that the authorities would continue to eliminate the threat posed by such criminal elements. “We will protect the integrity of the nation and will not cede an inch of any part of the country to criminals,” he declared.
In response to the abduction, government officials are seeking to engage elders from both sides of the Kenya-Somalia border to negotiate for the release of the chiefs. This traditional approach has been used in past incidents involving cross-border abductions. Although the exact location of the chiefs is unclear, it is believed that they are being held in Somalia.
Ruto’s visit to Mandera, which also includes stops in Garissa and Wajir, is part of his broader mission to enhance security and development in northern Kenya. He pledged to prioritize infrastructure projects, including the construction of an affordable housing unit for 500 students at the Mandera Teachers’ Training College.
Despite the security challenges, Ruto’s visit highlights his administration’s commitment to integrating northern Kenya into the country’s broader development agenda, ensuring that no region is left behind in the pursuit of national progress and stability.
