Five Chiefs Abducted in Mandera as Suspected Militants Hijack Government Vehicle
The attack occurred as the administrators were traveling to Elwak for a scheduled meeting ahead of President William Ruto’s planned visit to the region.
An image showing Al Shabaab troops. Photo/ The Standard Kenya.
By Joy Jeelagat
A wave of fear has gripped Mandera County after five chiefs were abducted on Monday morning by suspected militants who hijacked a government vehicle.
The attack occurred as the administrators were traveling to Elwak for a scheduled meeting ahead of President William Ruto’s planned visit to the region.
North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno confirmed the incident, while Mandera South Deputy County Commissioner Tobias Otunga revealed that the ambush took place at around 8:30 a.m.
Security agencies, including the Kenya Police and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), have since been deployed to the area, with KDF troops securing the Kenya-Somalia border to prevent cross-border movement.
“Suspected Al Shabaab militants mounted an ambush on unsuspecting road users. They intercepted a vehicle carrying five chiefs who were on their way to Elwak for a meeting,” Otunga stated.
The abducted chiefs include Wargadud Township Chief Mohammed Adawa, Wargadud East Chief Mohammed Hassan Kulmia, Kurhamuto Chief Abdi Hassan Suraw, Chachabole Chief Mohammednoor Hache, and Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow.
Reports indicate that they were traveling in an Alto Wagon when the attackers struck in Iresuki Village. The officials were blindfolded and forcibly taken toward the Lafey area, a region known for militant activity.
Security analysts believe the Al Shabaab terror group has been deliberately targeting local administrators, seeing them as potential government informants. This ongoing threat has left many chiefs fearful for their safety, with some opting not to reside within their jurisdictions.
The timing of the abduction raises concerns, as it comes just ahead of President Ruto’s much-anticipated tour of the North Eastern region. However, despite the attack, sources confirm that the president’s visit will continue as scheduled.
He is set to begin his engagements on Tuesday in Mandera, followed by stops in Wajir on Wednesday, Garissa on Thursday, and Isiolo on Friday.
The government has vowed to intensify security operations to locate the missing chiefs and ensure the safety of other local officials. Meanwhile, residents remain on high alert as security forces heighten surveillance across the region.
The abduction underscores the persistent security challenges in North Eastern Kenya, with calls growing louder for enhanced protection of local leaders and improved counterterrorism measures in the region.
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