Five Kenyan Chiefs Released After Two-Month Captivity by Suspected Al-Shabaab Militants in Somalia

Five Kenyan chiefs abducted by suspected al-Shabaab militants on February 3rd have been released after two months in captivity in neighbouring Somalia. 

The administrators—Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow, and Senior Chief Abdi Suraw—were seized while en route to a security meeting in Mandera County ahead of President William Ruto’s scheduled visit. Their release on Sunday evening followed negotiations led by local elders, marking the end of a prolonged crisis that heightened concerns over regional security.

The chiefs were ambushed while travelling from Wargadud to Elwak Town, their vehicle hijacked by armed militants near the porous Kenya-Somalia border, an area notorious for militant incursions. This abduction exposed the persistent security challenges faced by officials and residents in Kenya’s northeastern region, which has long been vulnerable to cross-border attacks.
Officials have confirmed that the captives were freed in Jilb, Somalia, where they were handed over to Garreh elders. 

Arrangements were then made for their safe return to Kenya. Local leaders played a crucial role in the negotiations, a strategy frequently used in resolving hostage situations in areas affected by militant activity. While reports have suggested that a ransom was demanded, details remain undisclosed regarding any payments made to secure the chiefs’ release. The government, which relied heavily on local mediators, has not provided further details on the terms of the negotiations.

The abduction amplified concerns regarding the presence and activities of al-Shabaab militants within Kenya’s northeastern region and the growing threats posed by cross-border attacks. In response, President Ruto addressed the nation during his visit to Mandera, issuing firm directives to security agencies to ensure the chiefs’ safe return and intensify efforts against insurgent activity. During his speech at Moi Stadium in Mandera, President Ruto condemned the attack, framing it as an attempt by al-Shabaab to destabilize the region and intimidate government officials. 

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating militant threats and securing every part of Kenya. He emphasized that his administration would deal decisively with the terrorists and address the issue promptly. A month after the abduction, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo reiterated the government’s stance, emphasizing the continued efforts behind the scenes to bring the chiefs home. He warned that the incident highlighted the vulnerability of public officials operating in high-risk areas, stressing the need for improved security measures.

Kenya has remained on high alert in recent months due to increased al-Shabaab activity along its borders. Just days before the chiefs were freed, suspected militants launched an attack on a General Service Unit (GSU) camp in Boni Forest, firing rocket-propelled grenades at security personnel stationed in the area. Kenyan forces, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and GSU officers, swiftly mobilized to pursue the attackers. The abduction of the chiefs was one of several security incidents reported in Mandera and surrounding regions. 

In December 2024, a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) driver was shot dead by suspected militants in Lafey, who then stole his vehicle. Despite these challenges, Kenyan authorities continue to implement counterterrorism measures aimed at fortifying security and preventing further incursions. Officials have vowed to track down and neutralize those responsible for the attacks.