Northeastern regional commissioner John Otieno at the meeting /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
North Eastern regional commissioner John Otieno on Thursday criticised individuals who were claiming that the government had abandoned the recently released Mandera chiefs.
The five chiefs – Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Kulmia, Abdi Suraw, Mohammed Hache and assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow – who were abducted on February 3, were reunited with their families last Sunday.
The chiefs were en route from Wargadud to Elwak to welcome President William Ruto, who was scheduled to visit Mandera county, when they were intercepted, blindfolded and taken across the Kenya-Somalia border to the Jilib region, an Al Shabaab stronghold.
Speaking to the press after their release, the chiefs thanked the elders and their families for their role in securing their freedom. None mentioned the government.
Chief Adawa revealed that the negotiation process and coordination of the rescue was handled by Garre elders from both countries.
“I really appreciate my clan elders and family members who facilitated my release. I was in Al Shabaab captivity for 62 days. Were it not for the Garre community inside Kenya and Somalia, no one would have ever seen us alive,” he said.
Another chief, who requested anonymity, said while the President spoke firmly during his visit to Mandera, the state played no active part in their liberation.
Hache expressed gratitude and relief.
“I have returned home safely. I thank the Almighty for protecting me. I also thank our elders who went after us and ensured we made it back alive. The support and prayers from the community and our friends meant a great deal.”
However, speaking to the press in Garissa on the sidelines of a security meeting, the regional commissioner urged Kenyans to treat the rumours with the contempt they deserved.
“I need to state categorically that whatever is circulating on social media to the extent that the chiefs are claiming they did not receive any support from the government – those are social media speculations that hold no water at all,” Otieno said.
He added: “I have seen one report saying the chiefs returned healthier than when they were abducted. I don’t know if that person wanted the chiefs to come back dead. We need to be responsible citizens and show sympathy for what happened to the chiefs.”
Asked about the chiefs returning to their jobs, the regional commissioner said the government had a programme in place.
“The chiefs are government employees and the government is doing everything necessary to ensure that the chiefs return to their work stations with clear minds and in good health. Some of these programmes I do not need to share with the media,” he said.
Instant analysis:
The chiefs were en route from Wargadud to Elwak to welcome President William Ruto, who was scheduled to tour Mandera county, when they were intercepted, blindfolded, and taken across the Kenya-Somalia border to the Jilib region, an Al Shabaab stronghold. A ransom was reportedly demanded, though it remains unclear whether or how much was paid. The government relied on local leaders for negotiations.
