MANDERA, Kenya – Al Shabaab militants have demanded a Sh7 million ransom for the release of five local chiefs kidnapped in Mandera County, highlighting the region’s persistent insecurity and the growing threat of militant activity along the Kenya-Somalia border.
The chiefs—Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow, and senior chief Abdi Suraw—were abducted on February 3 while traveling to Elwak for official duties.
Their vehicle was intercepted near Iresuki village by suspected militants, who blindfolded them before driving towards Lafey, a known hotspot for such attacks.
The kidnapping, which occurred a day before President William Ruto’s visit to Mandera, has sparked urgent fundraising efforts among local elders in Mandera and Nairobi.
However, it remains unclear how much has been raised.
Community leaders are calling for government intervention, fearing that negotiating with terrorists could set a dangerous precedent and embolden further kidnappings.
Security sources suggest the militants had prior knowledge of the chiefs’ movements, raising concerns about local complicity in the attack.
Officials familiar with ongoing security operations have also disclosed that approximately 60 Kenyans are currently being held by al Shabaab, including a soldier from Wajir who has been in captivity since 2016.
His family has launched a separate fundraiser to secure his release.
The latest abduction underscores the deteriorating security situation in northeastern Kenya, where al Shabaab has continued to target local officials, security personnel, and civilians.
Just last December, suspected militants shot and killed a driver working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, further heightening fears in the region.
In response, President Ruto has vowed to take decisive action, instructing Deputy Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to lead security operations aimed at rescuing the abducted chiefs and restoring order.
Speaking in Mandera, Ruto reassured residents that his administration remains committed to eradicating insecurity.
“We will not allow criminals to terrorize our people and derail the region’s development agenda,” he said, emphasizing that every part of Kenya is vital to national security and economic growth.
Despite these assurances, skepticism remains over the government’s ability to contain the crisis.
Security experts warn that engaging in negotiations with terrorist groups could embolden them, making ransom payments a lucrative funding source for further attacks.
As the community scrambles to secure the chiefs’ release, there is also growing pressure for long-term solutions to the region’s instability.
Expanding infrastructure and economic opportunities, Ruto noted, will be key to addressing the root causes of radicalization and insecurity.
His administration has pledged to invest in road networks and other development projects in the northeast to foster stability.
