Government confirms safe return of five chiefs abducted in Mandera

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that the five chiefs who were abducted by suspected Al-Shabab militants while en route to Elwak in Mandera County have safely returned home.

The chiefs had been on an official assignment when contact with them was lost, raising widespread concern over their safety in a region known for sporadic insecurity.

CS Murkomen made the announcement through his official X account, expressing relief over the safe return of the officers.

He also reiterated that the safe return of the chiefs was due to cooperation between the national government and local authorities, particularly Nyumba Kumi elders.

"We thank God for their safety and commend our security agencies and local leaders who worked tirelessly to ensure their return," the Cabinet Secretary stated.

Although details surrounding their disappearance remain scanty, the CS assured the public that relevant security agencies are investigating the circumstances to establish whether the incident was a case of abduction, a security lapse, or a miscommunication.

The CS also declared that the government will take care of the families of chiefs who've lost their lives while serving the country.

"There are chiefs who've lost their lives in public service. We will take care of their families because that is what is important to us (sic)," added Murkomen.

This development comes amid growing concerns over the safety of government officials operating in volatile areas, particularly along Kenya’s northeastern border with Somalia.

Elwak and surrounding areas have experienced intermittent security threats, often attributed to extremist elements and cross-border criminal activity.

The Ministry of Interior and the National Police Service have both indicated that a full debrief of the chiefs will be conducted, after which further information will be made public.