Five local chiefs have gone missing after they were reportedly abducted by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Elwak, Mandera County.
According to reports, the chiefs were hijacked and forcibly taken by the militants between Wargadud and Elwak at approximately 7:40 AM on Monday, February 3.
Mandera South police commander Julius Njeru confirmed the incident. According to reports, the five chiefs were traveling in a Mazda vehicle, which belongs to Chief Mohamednur Hache, when the abduction took place.
The hijackers and the chiefs are believed to be moving towards the Somalia border.
The region, which borders Somalia, has been a hotbed of militant activity, with al-Shabaab being a known threat in the area.
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At the same time, President William Ruto is set to embark on a week-long tour of the North Eastern region starting today.
Leaders from the North Eastern region of the country are expected to present issues affecting their constituents to President Ruto during the tour which kicks off on Tuesday.
The president is expected to launch and inspect several development initiatives and programmes during his week-long visit to Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir counties.
