Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that President William Ruto will honour five chiefs who were abducted on February 3, 2025, in Elwak, Mandera County.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 23, Murkomen said the chiefs, who endured the ordeal while carrying out their duties, will be decorated with the Head of State’s Commendation (HSC).
“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’s Commendation on the five chiefs who were abducted in Mandera in the line of duty,” he said.
Murkomen explained that the award represents the government’s commitment to stand with all security officers working under challenging circumstances across the country.
“This recognition is a testament to their courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to national service. The Government stands firmly with all our officers and remains committed to ensuring their safety as they continue serving the people of Kenya with honour,” he added.
The chiefs were released months after their abduction following intense negotiations by elders from Kenya and Somalia.
In a statement on Sunday, April 6, Murkomen confirmed their release stating that he would divulge more details later.
“Our chiefs, who were abducted in Mandera, have now been released and are in the hands of Kenyan officials. They will be arriving home anytime soon. This is good news, thanks to the collaborative efforts between the County Government of Mandera and the community. We will provide further comments and updates once our chiefs are back in the country,” he stated.
The chiefs were hijacked and forcibly taken by gunmen at the Elwak area in Mandera County, just a day before President William Ruto visited the Northern Kenya region.
They were traveling in a Mazda vehicle, which belongs to Chief Mohamednur Hache, when they were intercepted by the militants.
Speaking after the incident, Ruto said the abductions of the chiefs were meant to disrupt his tour to the northern part of Kenya.
“These people thought that I would not come if they did what they did yesterday. I have not only come to Mandera but I am also going to sleep here. If I want I can also sleep here again because this is part of Kenya.
“I want to make it clear that every part of Kenya is important and we are not going to cede an inch of our country to criminals and those who want to unleash mayhem,” he said.
Ruto directed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to spearhead security operations in the region, including efforts to bring the abducted chiefs home safely.
“I have told Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli that we will go above and beyond, in every direction to resolve this issue,” he added.
