Al-Shabaab put tough demands on abducted chiefs

By Newsflash Reporter

The efforts to rescue the five chiefs who were kidnapped in Mandera on Monday, February 3, 2025 have intensified even Al-Shabaab militants place tough demands.

Security sources told Newsflash that the militants are now demanding a ransom of Sh7 million to release them.

The militants demanded the money after several elders from the area were dispatched to negotiate with them to have the chiefs released.

The chiefs were kidnapped one day before President William Ruto arrived in Mandera for his North Eastern development tour.

The five chiefs – Mohamed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohamed Noor, assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow, senior chief Abdi Suraw – were on their way to Elwak to attend to official duties when their vehicle was intercepted by alleged Al-Shabaab militants at Iresuki village.

Locals in the area told Newsflash that the militants blindfolded the chiefs and took control of the vehicle, before driving towards Lafey.

A security official told Newsflash on condition of anonymity that the militants seemed to have prior knowledge of the chiefs’ movements.

The incident has raised alarm on the ongoing security challenges in the region, which has a haven of occasional terrorist attacks.

“This is a serious issue which needs to be acted upon with utmost thoroughness,” said a security official.

It is estimated that close to 60 Kenyans are being held by the militants.

The militants’ demand has raised fears that the dialogue could embolden them more.

In response to the escalating security  crisis, Ruto  has  vowed  to  take decisive action.
During  his Mandera visit, Ruto assured residents that the government  is  committed  to curbing insecurity in the area.
“We will not allow criminals to terrorise our people and derail the region’s  development  agenda,”  he 
said.
Ruto also directed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli  to  lead  security  operations to rescue the abducted chiefs and restore order.