Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the five chiefs abducted by suspected Al-Shabaab militants will be honored with state recognition.
Speaking in Elwak during the Jukwaa la Usalama tour of Mandera County on September 23, Murkomen said the chiefs, who were abducted in February this year and released after two months, will receive recognition for their courage and dedication to serving the country.
“I want to sincerely thank the chiefs for the great work they are doing. On behalf of the government, I wish to especially commend those who were abducted on their way to the State House meeting. Their dedication and bravery are exemplary, and I am proud to announce that they will be accorded state recognition,’ Murkomen said.
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.
Murkomen Speaks on Arming of Chiefs
He further announced that chiefs and assistant chiefs in high-risk areas would be issued firearms to enhance their safety and prevent similar incidents.
“Because of the challenges that chiefs and assistant chiefs face in some parts of the country—ranging from threats by al Shabaab, rival clans, and banditry—we will issue them with firearms for their protection,” Murkomen said.
The CS, however, clarified that not all chiefs and assistant chiefs would qualify for armed status.
The government will first conduct a threat assessment and provide proper training before issuing firearms.
Also Read: Murkomen Sends All Chiefs to Police College for Mandatory Training
5 Chiefs Abducted by Al-Shabaab Militants
The chiefs that were abducted from Mandera County include Mohammed Noor, Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow, and Senior Chief Abdi Suraw.
Later in April 2025, local authorities reported that the chiefs were freed after the Kenyan government negotiated with local elders for their release from the Al Shabaab militants.
The chiefs had been held captive in Somalia for approximately two months.
Also Read: 5 Chiefs Abducted by Al-Shabaab Militants Released
Training of Chiefs
On August 15, 2025, the CS sent all chiefs to the National Police College for mandatory training.
The three-week intensive course is expected to equip trainees with paralegal and security management skills to tackle emerging issues and ensure better coordination of government services at the grassroots level.
“It’s unbelievable that the last time chiefs and assistant chiefs attended a course of this kind was in 2018. Today, we’re not just launching a training course — we’re opening a new chapter in grassroots governance and national security,” said Murkomen.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
