After Al-Shabaab Abduction, Mandera Chiefs Reunite With Families

MANDERA, Kenya – It’s a day etched into the memory of Mandera: a day when the much-anticipated presidential visit was overshadowed by a dark cloud covering the fate of five local chiefs. Earlier this year, these community leaders found themselves in the throes of uncertainty, kidnapped by the ominous presence of Al-Shabaab. For 60 arduous days, their families grasped onto threads of hope, peering into the abyss of negotiations that spanned borders and cultures.

With every passing day, the absence was felt more deeply—a void replaced by a sense of joy as these chiefs stepped back into the comforting arms of their families. “It’s the small victories that matter,” Wargadud Chief Adaw Abdi Mohamed reflected, expressing gratitude in his native language. “Na tunarudishia pia shukrani kwa serikali yetu kwa support yake kwa hiyo wazee.” His words resonated across the gathering, translating the collective relief felt by many: “We are thankful to our government and the government of Somalia, who showed immense support to the elders. Our gratitude extends to the community, who cared for us through this ordeal.”

Such homecomings, however, are not devoid of echoes from the past. What thoughts echoed through the minds of these chiefs as they recounted their captivity? Did they ever feel the overwhelming burden of hopelessness during captivity?

Anecdotes surfaced amidst tears and laughter, indicating a cautious transition from trauma to healing. “Today,” Mandera Central Deputy County Commissioner Tobia Otungu announced to a visibly moved audience, “we share in their joy and extend our deepest gratitude to God for this miracle. It marks just the beginning of a journey of healing.”

The ordeal began on February 3, 2025, as Mohamed Adawa, Mohamed Hassan, Abdi Hassan, Mohamed Noor Hache, and Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow traveled solo into Wargadud, unaware that their trajectory would soon be altered by the sinister forces of Al-Shabaab. President William Ruto, poised to visit the northeastern region, made a solemn vow before the abduction to ensure their safe return while sternly addressing the menace of terrorism.

As the interior minister, Kipchumba Murkomen’s voice crackled with determination: “Fear gripped us as we contemplated the fate of our chiefs—some served the public only to meet untimely ends. For the families of those who have fallen in the line of duty, know that the mourning extends beyond individuals—we will uphold their legacy and shield those who faced the wrath of insecurity.”

Collaboration, a beacon of hope amidst tribal and territorial differences, became central to the resolution. “Elders in Somalia, from various communities and clans, contributed undeniably,” Mandera South MP Abdulla Haro acknowledged. “To those who supported through prayer, comforting words, or simply walked with our elders through harsh negotiations, your actions stand testament to human empathy.”

Strategically, Kenya has bolstered its defenses along its frequently volatile border with Somalia. The intrepid Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have spearheaded efforts, establishing at least 14 Forward Operating Bases to proactively counter threats. Multi-agency security teams now patrol the treacherous perimeter, ensuring that no shadow of doubt looms large.

Amidst these measures, one can’t help but ponder—what stories do these borders tell us about resilience, unity, and the transcendence of human spirit against adversities?