Al Shabaab Group Demands Sh7M Ransom For Five Kidnapped Chiefs In Mandera

The Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militants who recently abducted five local chiefs from Mandera county have demanded a ransom of Sh7million.

The kidnapping, which occurred last Monday, a day before President Ruto arrived in Mandera for an official visit to the region, sent shockwaves through the community and prompted local elders to raise the required funds.

The five chiefs named Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow, senior chief Abdi Suraw were on their way to Elwak for official duties when their vehicle was intercepted by the militants near Iresuki village.

Sources revealed that the militants blindfolded the chiefs and took control of the vehicle, before driving towards Lafey, an area notorious for such attacks.

Security officials said the militants seemed to have prior knowledge of the chiefs’ movements, suggesting local complicity.

The officers were kidnapped just a day before President William Ruto’s visited the area for a development tour, raising alarms about the ongoing security challenges in the region.

After the kidnapping, the community tried to raise the ransom money without much success. Elders from Mandera and Nairobi held separate meetings to initiate fundraising efforts, but it remains unclear how much has been collected.

The urgency of the situation has intensified calls for government involvement, as many fear negotiations with terrorists could set a dangerous precedent.

President Ruto who spoke at Moi Stadium in Mandera County Thursday instructed the security agencies to make sure the chiefs returned home safe and sound. He also warned that he would not cede any territory of Kenya to terrorists even as he warned the war on terror will be won.

Meanwhile in Isiolo County, the Inspector General of Police has clarified that suspect Sadam Buke is in police custody and not missing as earlier reported.

Buke was arrested during the Operation Ondoa Jangili that was being conducted in both Marsabit and Isiolo Counties. He is suspected to have been a key facilitator and coordinator of Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties.

A statement by the police, “We wish to clarify that Sadam Buke is in lawful custody alongside others. He is suspected of being a key facilitator and coordinator of Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties.”

The National Police Service has further reiterated its commitment to comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Operation Ondoa Jangili is a special security operation that was launched by the National Police Service to target the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties.