Senators demand answers as five chiefs remain missing, 44 days on

President William Ruto opens the Jitume Digital Hub at Mandera TVET, and Mandera KMTC on his first day of a four-day visit to North Eastern Kenya. (Courtesy)

Senators have called on the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to provide regular and detailed reports on the efforts being made to rescue the abducted chiefs and restore security in Mandera County.

Nominated Senator Mariam Omar told the Senate that the abduction of four chiefs, one assistant chief, and the daughter of one of the chiefs in Wargadud Town on February 3, this year, with the victims still missing after 44 days, is a grave concern for the local residents.

Omar pointed out that the four chiefs and the assistant chief were on official duty, travelling to Elwak Town to join the Deputy County Commissioner for a security meeting in preparation for President William Ruto's week-long development tour of the North Eastern Region.

"We are urging the government to prioritise the immediate and safe return of these abducted leaders and civilians," said Omar.

"The government should strengthen security forces, enhance border security, and improve infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities to reduce the number of individuals vulnerable to coercion by militant groups," she added.

The nominated senator also called on the government to provide physical support, financial assistance, and community engagement programmes to help the affected families cope with the trauma and uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of their loved ones.

She noted that such abductions have a profound emotional, psychological, and financial impact on the families, especially children, who suffer from depression and behavioural changes due to the sudden disappearance of their parents.

Omar explained that the affected families may face financial hardships, struggling to meet daily household needs, medical care, and other essentials, as those abducted were often the primary breadwinners.

"The situation is even more devastating during the holy month of Ramadan, where these families must remain engaged in prayer and fasting," she said. Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo expressed surprise that, despite being accompanied by armed police officers, the administrators who were planning an event for the President's visit were abducted and have yet to be found by either the armed forces or the police.

Maanzo emphasised that if a chief, who is well-secured in the North Eastern region, can be abducted, then any Kenyan could be at risk of abduction. He urged the government to do everything possible to ensure that the chiefs are found alive and well.

"We must do everything in our power as a House to ensure these chiefs are found alive and safe, and to make sure that Kenyans are safe in the country. The primary responsibility lies with the President, the Defence Forces, and the Minister in charge of Interior," Maanzo said conclusion.