At least five chiefs went missing on Monday after being ambushed and abducted by suspected terrorists in Elwak, Mandera County.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the group was en route to Elwak when they were attacked and their vehicle hijacked between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.
They were scheduled to gather in the area to strategize for an upcoming visit by President William Ruto to the region later this week.
Mandera South police commander Julius Njeru confirmed the incident, stating that the chiefs were traveling from Wargadud to Elwak town for official duties.
Ruto is set to visit the northern region this week, prompting heightened security measures.
During his trip, he will hold a cabinet meeting in Garissa, among other engagements.
The president’s itinerary includes visits to Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa Counties.
In response to the incident, a significant operation was launched, as the attackers, believed to have been lying in wait, reportedly fled into Somalia.
This area is located close to the Kenya-Somalia border.
