Gov't Reacts to Al-Shabaab's Demand for Sh150 Million Ransom to Free Abducted Cuban Doctors

The Kenyan government says it will not negotiate with Somalia-based terror organization, Al-Shabaab to secure the release of abducted Cuban doctors.

Speaking on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma has ruled out ransom negotiations with the militants who are holding the two doctors in Somalia. 

CS Juma has exuded confidence that an ongoing operation to rescue the two foreigners who were abducted in Mandera town last month will be successful.

“We believe that we’ll secure their release in the ongoing security operation but as a matter of policy, the government does not negotiate ransom."

"We’re hopeful that we shall retrieve the doctors safely back home,” CS Juma has said during a press briefing in Nairobi.

She was responding to reports that the Islamic militia group has demanded a ransom of $1.5 million (Sh150 million) to free the two doctors.

Doctor Herera Corea (general practitioner) and Landy Rodriguez (surgeon) were kidnapped on April 12th by armed gunmen suspected to be Al-Shabaab militants.

The two are reportedly alive and offering medical services in a restricted environment in Somalia.