The five Kenyan chiefs who were abducted by suspected Al-Shabaab militia in February have been released.
According to reports, the five were released on Sunday evening after being dropped by unknown men following what local authorities reported were successful negotiations between the elders from the region and the militants.
It is alleged that the five had been held captive in neighbouring Somalia for the last two months following their abduction while on their way from Wargadud to Elwak Town.
5 chiefs abducted by Al-Shabaab in Mandera ahead of Ruto’s visit have been freed. Photo: Courtesy.
The chiefs were from the administrative units of Wargadud East, Qurahmudow, and Chachabole and were aboard a vehicle at the time of the incident.
They were hijacked and forcibly taken by gunmen on February 3, 2025, at the Elwak area in Mandera County, just a day before President William Ruto visited the Northern Kenya region.
They were traveling in a Mazda vehicle, which belongs to Chief Mohamednur Hache, when they were intercepted by the militants
Speaking after the incident, President Ruto said the abductions of the chiefs were meant to disrupt his tour to the northern part of Kenya.
Kenya is currently on alert following the renewed efforts of the Al-Shabaab militants in neighbouring Somalia and along the borders of Kenya.
Recently, suspected Al-Shabaab militants ambushed a GSU camp in the Basuba area of Boni Forest, launching two rocket-propelled grenades during the attack.
