Five chiefs abducted by Al Shabaab militants in Mandera in early February have been released. The chiefs had been held captive in Somalia for approximately two months.
The five chiefs were taken before President William Ruto‘ s tour of the North Eastern region.
The chiefs released from Mandera County include Mohammed Noor, Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow, and Senior Chief Abdi Suraw.
Local authorities reported that the chiefs were freed after the Kenyan government negotiated with local elders for their release from the Al Shabaab militants.
Authorities are currently investigating the details of the abduction and the circumstances surrounding their release.
5 Chiefs Abducted by Al-Shabaab Released
The chiefs went missing on Monday, February 3, after being ambushed and kidnapped by suspected terrorists in Elwak, Mandera County.
According to police and witnesses, the group was traveling in a vehicle to Elwak when they were attacked and hijacked between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.
On February 4, President William Ruto alleged that the five chiefs were abducted to thwart his visit to Mandera.
Also Read: Ruto Breaks Silence After Abductions of Five Chiefs
While addressing residents of Mandera County, President Ruto stated that such attempts would not stop him from visiting the county and assured them he would ensure the safety of the Northern region of Kenya.
“You know, these fools thought that by doing what they did yesterday, I wouldn’ t come here. They are mad. I haven’ t just come to Mandera—I have come with Mandera, and I am staying in Mandera,” President Ruto said at the time.
President Ruto Assures Residents That Abducted Chiefs Will Be Released
At the same time, he assured Mandera residents that his administration would pursue the suspected Al- Shabaab militants who abducted the chiefs.
The release of the five chiefs also follows an update from the Internal Security Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo regarding their captivity.
Also Read: PS Omollo Gives Update on Five Missing Chiefs Abducted Before Ruto’s Tour
In a radio interview with Spice FM, the Interior PS stated that the government was still negotiating with the abductors for their release.
“What we have done is what the President pronounced; he will do what it takes to secure the five chiefs. We are constantly engaging; they crossed into a neighboring country. Interestingly, the borders are just temporary distinctions between countries.
The communities are the same. So, there are active engagements to ensure they are safely back in the country and can resume their duties,” Omollo said.
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