Relief and joy swept through parts of Mandera County as five local chiefs, who were reportedly abducted by al-Shabab militants two months ago, finally returned home.
The chiefs, who were abducted in Wargadud, were received by an emotional crowd of relatives, friends, and elders who had worked tirelessly for their release.
Speaking after their safe return on Saturday, April 12, Chachabole Chief Mohamed Noor expressed gratitude to those who played a role in securing their freedom.
"I want to thank our elders who followed up with this case and ensured that we return home alive and well," he said.
Wargadud Chief Adaw Abdi Mohamed echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
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"We want to thank both the Kenyan and Somalia governments for their support as well as our elders. We are very grateful for the help that they have offered us," he stated.
Mohamed and Adaw were abducted alongside three others on February 3, 2025, in Wargadud while heading to Elwak for official duties ahead of President William Ruto's visit.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that the five were released two months later on Sunday, April 6.
"Our chiefs, who were abducted in Mandera, have now been released and are in the hands of Kenyan officials. They will be arriving home anytime soon.
"This is good news, thanks to the collaborative efforts between the County Government of Mandera and the community," he stated.
Murkomen later noted that the chiefs were released following collaborative efforts of the national government, the local community, and the Mandera County government.
“Our chiefs that were abducted in Mandera have been released, and they are now in the hands of Kenyan officials, and they will be arriving home anytime soon.
“This is very good news and is based on collaborative efforts as I announced before that as government we decided to work together with the community and the county government of Mandera and this process ahs borne fruit,” he added.
