Kenya has dispatched a multi-agency delegation, spearheaded by community elders, to Somalia to initiate discussions aimed at securing the release of five chiefs who were kidnapped.
The chiefs were taken on Monday while they were evaluating the security conditions in Mandera County ahead of President William Ruto’s upcoming visit to the area.
According to intelligence reports, the chiefs were transported to Somalia following their abduction and are believed to be held by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Jilib, where the negotiations are taking place.
Meanwhile, intelligence operatives have redirected their attention to the towns of Wante, Qurqura, Elele, Ires Kinto, Fino, and Kutayu, as these locations are suspected hideouts for the militants prior to the abduction of the local leaders.
Concerns persist that some militants may still be lurking in these regions, potentially planning an attack.
The chiefs were on official duty en route to the Elwak area for a meeting to prepare for President Ruto’s week-long tour of the North Eastern region when they were intercepted by their captors, who then drove their vehicle towards Somalia.
The missing chiefs include Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan Kulmia, Abdi Hassan Suraw, Mohammed Noor Hache, and assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow.
Officials report that the ongoing negotiations are showing signs of a positive resolution.