Authorities are enlisting elders to negotiate the release of five chiefs abducted on Monday near the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera. Officials believe this approach is the most effective, as the captives are reportedly being held inside Somalia by unidentified individuals.
Elders have already been selected for the mission, a common practice in similar incidents. Meanwhile, security operations have been intensified in the area amid fears of further attacks. While the motive behind the abduction remains unclear, officials suspect Somalia’s al-Shabaab militants. The attack occurred while the chiefs were traveling to Elwak for official duties.
President William Ruto’s planned visit to the northern region, including Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, and Wajir, has prompted heightened security measures. A major operation was launched following the abduction, but progress was hindered when a security vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Authorities remain on high alert, reinforcing multi-agency efforts to combat terrorism and cross-border threats.
