Al Shabaab militants who kidnapped five local chiefs from Mandera county have demanded a ransom of Sh7 million.
The kidnapping, which occurred on February 3, a day before President Ruto arrived in Mandera, sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a race against time by local elders to raise the required funds while simultaneously urging the government to intervene.
The five chiefs—Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow, senior chief Abdi Suraw— were on their way to Elwak for official duties when their vehicle was intercepted by the suspected militants near Iresuki village.
Eyewitnesses said the militants blindfolded the chiefs and took control of the vehicle, before driving towards Lafey, an area notorious for such attacks.
Security officials said the militants seemed to have prior knowledge of the chiefs’ movements, suggesting local complicity.
The officials were kidnapped just a day before President William Ruto’s scheduled visit to the area for a development tour, raising alarms about the ongoing security challenges in the region.
After the kidnapping, the local community tried to raise the ransom money without much success.
Elders from Mandera and Nairobi held separate meetings to initiate fundraising efforts, but it remains unclear how much has been collected.
The urgency of the situation has intensified calls for government involvement, as many fear negotiations with terrorists could set a dangerous precedent.
An official familiar with the negotiations said approximately 60 Kenyans are currently held captive by al Shabaab, raising fears that dialogue could embolden the militants.
“This is likely to raise concerns about the whereabouts of the other people, including security agents, who are being held by the terrorists in Somalia,” the official stated.
Among those held captive is a soldier from Wajir, who is being held in Jilib since January 2016.
His family has started another fundraiser, seeking to raise more than Sh2 million ransom.
The increased visibility of these hostage situations complicates the government’s security strategy and highlights the precarious situation many Kenyans are in.
The kidnapping has drawn attention to the broader issue of insecurity in the region, particularly near the porous Kenya-Somalia border, where al Shabaab militants frequent.
Just last December, a driver associated with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was shot dead by suspected militants, further illustrating the persistent threats.
In response to the escalating security crisis, Ruto has vowed to take decisive action. During his recent visit to Mandera, he assured residents that the government is committed to eradicating insecurity in Northeastern.
“We will not allow criminals to terrorise our people and derail the region’s development agenda,” he said.
Ruto also directed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to lead security operations to rescue the abducted chiefs and restore order.
He said every part of Kenya is important and the government’s resolve to eliminate threats to national security remains strong.
Despite the government’s assurance, many in the region are concerned about the effectiveness of its strategies.
“Engaging in dialogue with terrorists can create a dangerous precedent, encouraging them to continue these attacks with the hope of receiving substantial ransoms,” an expert said.
As the community rallies to raise the ransom, there is also a growing push for sustainable solutions to the underlying issues contributing to insecurity.
The government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and economic opportunities is seen as vital for long-term stability.
Ruto highlighted plans to expand the road network in Northeastern Kenya, which could open up the area for investment and development.
The plight of the kidnapped
chiefs serves as a stark reminder
of the ongoing challenges faced by
many communities in northern
Kenya.
