Al Shabaab militants have demanded a ransom of Sh7 million for the release of five local chiefs abducted from Mandera County.
The incident, which took place on February 3, just a day before President Ruto’s visit to Mandera, has left the community in shock and has sparked urgent efforts by local elders to gather the ransom while appealing for government assistance.
The kidnapped chiefs—Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow, and senior chief Abdi Suraw—were en route to Elwak for official duties when their vehicle was ambushed by the suspected militants near Iresuki village.
Witnesses reported that the militants blindfolded the chiefs and commandeered their vehicle, heading towards Lafey, an area known for such violent incidents.
Security officials indicated that the militants appeared to have prior knowledge of the chiefs’ travel plans, hinting at possible local collaboration.
The abduction occurred just before President William Ruto was set to visit the region for a development tour, raising serious concerns about the ongoing security issues in the area.
In the aftermath of the kidnapping, the local community has struggled to raise the ransom, with elders from both Mandera and Nairobi convening separate meetings to kickstart fundraising efforts, though it remains uncertain how much has been gathered.
The urgency of the situation has amplified calls for government intervention, as many worry that negotiating with terrorists could create a troubling precedent.
An official involved in the negotiations revealed that around 60 Kenyans are currently held captive by al Shabaab, heightening fears that engaging in dialogue could empower the militants.
“This situation raises significant concerns about the fate of other individuals, including security personnel, who are also being held by the terrorists in Somalia,” the official remarked.
