MANDERA, Kenya – At least five chiefs in Mandera County are missing after being ambushed and kidnapped by suspected terrorists in Elwak on Monday, raising fresh security concerns ahead of President William Ruto’s planned tour of the region.
The administrators were reportedly traveling from Wargadud to Elwak when their vehicle was intercepted between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.
Police and witnesses said the attackers hijacked the car and fled toward Somalia.
Mandera South police commander Julius Njeru confirmed the incident, stating that the chiefs were on their way to coordinate security arrangements for Ruto’s visit.
The president is expected to tour northern Kenya this week, with a key cabinet meeting set for Garissa.
His itinerary also includes visits to Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa counties.
Security agencies have launched a major operation to trace the missing chiefs and pursue the assailants.
The attack comes amid ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region, where al-Shabaab militants have frequently targeted government officials and security forces.
In December, a police driver attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was shot dead by suspected militants in Lafey, Mandera County. His attackers hijacked his vehicle and fled into Somalia.
The porous Kenya-Somalia border has remained a security flashpoint, with terror cells exploiting weak border controls to launch cross-border raids.
Despite increased military and police operations, sporadic attacks continue to disrupt normalcy in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties.
Monday’s abduction underscores the persistent threat facing northeastern Kenya, particularly as authorities heighten security ahead of President Ruto’s visit.
Security forces remain on high alert to prevent further attacks in the volatile region.
