Five chiefs abducted in Mandera released- CS Murkomen
"Our chiefs that were abducted in Mandera have been released, are now in the hands of Kenyan officials, and they'll be arriving home soon," remarked the CS.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that five chiefs abducted by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera were released after two months.
In February, the five Kenyan chiefs were abducted by suspected Al-Shabaab militants while on their way to a security meeting meant to prepare for President William Ruto's upcoming visit.
"Our chiefs that were abducted in Mandera have been released, are now in the hands of Kenyan officials, and they'll be arriving home soon," remarked the CS.
He said the release followed collaborative efforts involving the local community, the government of Mandera, and the national government.
"We will be commenting further once our chiefs are within the country," added Murkomen.
Speaking to the media today in Mombasa, Murkomen reassured the nation about the security situation, stating: "Our country is safe, there are men and women who are making great sacrifices to make sure our country is safe."
He also addressed the ongoing threats from militant groups, especially by the Al-Shabaab group that has constantly launched attacks in areas including Lamu and Mandera.
"The fact that we don't discuss threats of terrorism and Al-Shabaab every day does not mean that our country is not faced with constant threat," said Murkomen.
The abduction of the chiefs raised concerns over the growing threat of insurgency in the region, as the chiefs were key figures in coordinating local security efforts.
It occurred in an area that has experienced intermittent violence linked to the extremist group, sparking a sense of urgency among authorities to secure the release of the captives.
The chiefs were from the administrative units of Wargadud East, Qurahmudow, and Chachabole.
The government has been actively working with local elders to secure the release of the administrative officers, whose abduction became a national security issue due to the circumstances surrounding their capture.
With ongoing threats from Al-Shabaab militants in neighboring Somalia and along Kenya's borders, the country remains on high alert.