Mandera chiefs abducted by Al-Shabaab to receive Head of State Commendation
The five chiefs, drawn from Wargadud East, Qurahmudow, and Chachabole administrative units, were abducted in February by suspected members of the outlawed Al-Shabaab terror group.
Five chiefs abducted in Mandera earlier this year will be honoured with the Head of State Commendation, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.
Speaking on Tuesday in Elwak during the second day of the government’s Jukwaa la Usalama tour of Mandera County, Murkomen said the administrators will be recognised for their courage and resilience during the ordeal, noting that their dedication to public service remained unwavering despite the trauma they endured.
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“To recognise the selflessness and patriotism of our NGAO officers, who often put their lives on the line to safeguard our nation, the government will confer the Head of State Commendation on the five chiefs who were abducted in Mandera in the line of duty. This recognition is a testament to their courage, resilience and unwavering dedication to national service,” he said.
He stressed that the Government stands firmly with officers and remains committed to ensuring their safety as they continue serving the people of Kenya with honour.
Apology
Murkomen also extended an apology to the administrators, who had been travelling to attend a meeting called ahead of President William Ruto’s planned visit when they were abducted.
“On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I want to extend my apologies to the five chiefs who were on their way to President William Ruto’s meeting before their abduction. This year, the five will be awarded state commendation for their strength in going through the turmoil and still accepting to return to work,” he said.
The CS further praised chiefs in Mandera and across the country, noting that their service and sacrifices often take place under extremely difficult circumstances, including threats from terror groups. He urged them to remain steadfast as the first line of government representation at the grassroots.
The five chiefs, drawn from Wargadud East, Qurahmudow, and Chachabole administrative units, were abducted in February by suspected members of the outlawed Al-Shabaab terror group.
According to Mandera South Police Commander Julius Njeru, they were travelling from Wargadud to Elwak Town for official duties when their government vehicle was hijacked between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.
Taken into Somalia
The administrators were taken across the border into Somalia, where they were held in captivity under uncertain conditions for nearly two months. They were released on April 6 under unclear circumstances, with Mandera elders credited for playing a key role in their safe return.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and heightened concerns over insecurity along the Kenya-Somalia border. President William Ruto condemned the abduction, terming it a desperate attempt by terrorists to instil fear in the community.
He directed the National Police Service to launch an operation targeting terror networks in the region.
“We will spare no effort in dealing with these criminal elements. I have directed the National Police Service to initiate an operation to deal with the criminal elements operating in this part of the country,” he said.
Murkomen confirmed that the chiefs will be feted during the upcoming Jamhuri Day celebrations, noting that the recognition is both a tribute to their resilience and a reassurance to other officers working in volatile areas that their service is valued at the highest level.
“This is very good news based on collaborative efforts. As I had announced earlier, we decided to work together with the county government and the community, and this process has borne fruit,” Murkomen said.
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