Tears of Joy as 5 Chiefs Abducted by al-Shabaab Finally Reunite with Families after 2 Months
The Ambush
On February 3, 2025, five local administrators — Mohamed Noor Hache, Mohamed Adawa, Abdi Hassan, Mohamed Hassan, and Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow — were abducted. They had been heading to Elwak Town for a routine meeting when gunmen intercepted their convoy in Wargadud.\
The incident occurred just hours before President William Ruto arrived in Mandera for a week-long political tour of the region. The timing of the abduction sent shockwaves across the country.
President’s Firm Promise
While in Mandera, President Ruto did not mince words. He promised to bring the chiefs back home.
“These chiefs must come back home. These criminals thought they could scare us away — I came to Mandera, and if need be, I’ll sleep in Mandera,” the president declare
He delivered a stern warning to the militants:
“We will not cede even an inch of our country to criminals. We will pursue them, deal with them, and eliminate them.”
Bittersweet Homecoming
Though the chiefs are now safe, their return is not without scars. Relief was clear on their faces, but so was pain. Some felt abandoned during their darkest moments.
Chief Mohamed Noor Hache of Chachabole, holding back tears, said:
“We sincerely thank our elders who traced our whereabouts and ensured we returned safely.”
Chief Adawa Abdi Mohamed of Wargadud added:
“We also thank our government for supporting the efforts of the elders, as well as the Somali authorities and our community who stood with us.”
Government’s Response
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the chiefs’ return in an official statement.
“We are pleased to report that the chiefs abducted in Mandera have been released and are now in the hands of Kenyan authorities. They will be home shortly,” he said.
Murkomen credited the success to teamwork:
“We resolved to work closely with the community and county leadership. That partnership has delivered results.”
Community Rejoices
As news of their safe return spread, villages across Mandera erupted in celebration. Drums, ululations, and prayers echoed across homesteads.
However, behind the celebrations lies lingering trauma. The ordeal left deep emotional wounds, especially for the families who lived each day in uncertainty.
Yet, today, they are whole again. Today, hope triumphed over fear.
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Tears of Joy as 5 Chiefs Abducted by al-Shabaab Finally Reunite with Families after 2 Months
