Five chiefs were kidnapped yesterday morning by armed men believed to be Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera County, where President William Ruto is set to begin his tour today.
The militants hijacked a government vehicle in the Iresuki area that was transporting the chiefs to Elwak Town, according to authorities.
Such incidents are common in the county, where Al-Shabaab has frequently targeted security agents, resulting in the loss of lives and property. The chiefs were en route to a meeting at the Mandera South Sub-County offices with Deputy County Commissioner Tobias Otunga.
Sources say the meeting was in preparation for President Ruto's visit to Mandera and the broader North Eastern region.
