President William Ruto addressing Mandera residents on Tuesday, 4th February 2025. Photo/ Newsflash
By Georgina Mwikali
President William Ruto has issued a firm directive to national security agencies after five chiefs from Mandera were abducted on Monday, 3rd February 2025, while heading to a security meeting to prepare for his planned visit.
The five chiefs, from Wargadud East, Qurahmudow, and Chachabole, were abducted while traveling in a vehicle that was hijacked between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki in Mandera South.
Speaking at Moi Stadium in Mandera during an official tour on Tuesday, 4th February 2025, Ruto also condemned the Al-Shabaab insurgents who managed to bypass security checkpoints and enter the country.
“The security of our country is paramount as we face insurgents, criminals, and other threats,” the President asserted.
“We will not back down. I have brought Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to ensure the safe return of our chiefs and to handle this situation swiftly.”
Ruto explained that the abduction of the chiefs was a direct response from Al-Shabaab to Kenya’s efforts in combating terrorism in the region.
“They chose to target our chiefs because of the successes of our multi-agency security teams,” he said. “They want to stop us, to scare me from proceeding with my tour of the northeastern region.”
The President also revealed that the abductions were an attempt to intimidate him into canceling his visit.
“They thought that by taking our chiefs, they could stop me. But I am here, and I will spend the night in Mandera to show them that we will not be intimidated,” Ruto asserted. “The chiefs will return, and we will not let this act of terror deter us from our work.”
They were en route to a meeting to discuss the President’s tour. Ruto emphasized that Kenya would not give up any territory to militants, stressing that the country’s security forces were well-prepared to handle the threat.
Ruto reiterated that Al-Shabaab’s attempt to instill fear would not succeed. “We will deal with the terrorists. They are trying to create fear, but we will continue our work and bring the chiefs back home,” he vowed.
