Al Shabaab demands Sh7 million ransom for kidnapped chiefs. Eyewitnesses reported that the militants blindfolded the chiefs and commandeered the vehicle, driving it towards Lafey.
The officials were abducted just a day before President William Ruto’s planned visit to the area for a development tour, heightening concerns over ongoing security issues in the region. Following the kidnapping, the local community attempted to gather the ransom money but faced difficulties.
Al Shabaab militants have demanded a ransom of Sh7 million for the five local chiefs taken from Mandera County. The abduction occurred on February 3, a day prior to President Ruto’s arrival in Mandera, shocking the community and prompting local elders to quickly raise funds while appealing to the government for assistance.
The five chiefsMohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow, and senior chief Abdi Surawwere en route to Elwak for official duties when their vehicle was intercepted by suspected militants near Iresuki village. Eyewitnesses noted that the militants blindfolded the chiefs and took control of the vehicle, heading towards Lafey, a region known for such incidents.
Security officials indicated that the militants appeared to have prior knowledge of the chiefs’ movements, implying possible local collusion. The officials’ kidnapping, occurring just before President William Ruto’s scheduled visit, has raised alarms about the security challenges in the area.
After the incident, local efforts to raise the ransom have had limited success. Elders from Mandera and Nairobi convened separate meetings to initiate fundraising, but it remains uncertain how much has been collected.
The urgency of the situation has amplified calls for government intervention, as there are concerns that engaging in negotiations with terrorists could establish a perilous precedent. An official involved in the negotiations reported that approximately 60 Kenyans are currently held captive by al Shabaab, raising apprehensions that dialogue could embolden the militants.
“This raises questions about the fates of others, including security personnel, held by terrorists in Somalia,” the official said. Among the captives is a soldier from Wajir, held in Jilib since January 2016, with his family launching another fundraiser to raise over Sh2 million for his ransom.
The increasing visibility of these hostage situations complicates the government’s security strategy and underscores the vulnerability many Kenyans face. The kidnapping has highlighted the broader issue of insecurity in the region, especially near the porous Kenya-Somalia border, frequented by al Shabaab militants. Just last December, a driver linked to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was killed by suspected militants, further underscoring the ongoing threats.
In response to the rising security crisis, Ruto has pledged decisive action. During his recent Mandera visit, he assured residents of the government’s commitment to eliminating insecurity in Northeastern Kenya.
“We will not let criminals intimidate our citizens or hinder the region’s development goals,” he stated.
Ruto also instructed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to spearhead security measures to rescue the kidnapped chiefs and restore order.
He emphasized that every region in Kenya is crucial, reinforcing the government’s commitment to combating threats to national security.
Despite assurances from the government, many locals remain apprehensive about the effectiveness of its tactics.
“Negotiating with terrorists could set a dangerous precedent, prompting them to persist with attacks in hopes of receiving hefty ransoms,” a specialist warned.
As the community gathers to fund the ransom, there is increasing advocacy for sustainable solutions to the root causes of insecurity.
The government’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and economic opportunities is viewed as essential for long-term stability.
Ruto outlined plans to expand the road network in Northeastern Kenya, potentially attracting investment and development.
The kidnapping of the chiefs highlights the ongoing struggles many communities in northern Kenya face.
