KENYA: Five Kenyan Chiefs Kidnapped By Al-Shabaab Set Free

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Officials have confirmed that five chiefs from Mandera, Kenya, who were kidnapped by al-Shabaab while traveling from Wargadud to Elwak, have been released.

The group was freed in Jilb, Somalia, on Monday.

Community elders involved in the negotiations stated that the chiefs were handed over to Garreh elders in Jilb and arrangements are being made to bring them back to Kenya.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was expected to address the issue during his tour of the Coast region.

The five abducted officials: Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow, and Senior Chief Abdi Suraw were taken on February 3, 2025 in Elwak, just a day before President William Ruto’s visit to northeastern Kenya.

Following their release, they were set to be debriefed and reunited with their families.

President Ruto had previously assured the public that the government was working to ensure their safe return, condemning the abductions as an attempt to create fear.

He reiterated his commitment to securing Kenya’s borders and directed security forces to pursue those responsible.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli was assigned to lead security operations in the region, including efforts to bring the captives home.

A month later, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasized that work was ongoing behind the scenes to resolve the situation, highlighting the persistent security risks faced by government officials.

It is unclear whether a ransom was paid for their release. Witnesses reported that the captives were blindfolded before their vehicle was taken over by the militants, who drove toward Lafey, close to the Kenya-Somalia border.

The location of the attack suggests the assailants had prior knowledge of the chiefs’ movements.

The kidnapped chiefs were on their way to a government function in Mandera when they were ambushed.

A planned rescue mission by Special Forces was disrupted by an improvised explosive device along the route.

In recent months, the region has faced multiple security challenges due to cross-border attacks by al-Shabaab.

In December, a driver working for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was shot dead in Lafey, and his vehicle was stolen.

His body was later abandoned as the attackers fled.

The government continues to deploy security measures aimed at tackling such threats and ensuring stability in the affected areas.