Kenya has sent a multi-agency team led by community elders to neighboring Somalia to start negotiations for the release of five abducted chiefs.
The five chiefs were abducted on Monday while assessing the security situation in Mandera county before President William Ruto’s tour of the region.
Intelligence reports indicate that upon the abduction of the chiefs, they were driven to Somalia and are currently held captive by suspected Al-Shabaab militants within Al-Shabaab cells in Jilib, Somalia. This is where the negotiations are being held.
Back home, intelligence officials have shifted focus to the towns of Wante, Qurqura, Elele, Ires Kinto, Fino, and Kutayu where it is suspected the militants were in hiding before they abducted the local administrators.
There are fears that some militants might still be hiding in these areas with the intent to launch an attack.
The chiefs were on official duty traveling to Elwak area for a meeting to prepare for President Ruto’s week-long tour of the North Eastern region, when they were intercepted by their kidnappers and their vehicle driven towards Somalia.
The missing chiefs are Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan Kulmia, Abdi Hassan Suraw, Mohammed Noor Hache and assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow.
Officials say ongoing talks show promise of a successful outcome.
