The story of the five Mandera chiefs—abducted in February, held for 62 harrowing days, and finally released in April—has touched many hearts across Kenya. Now, the government is set to honour them with State commendations, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed. Citizen Digital+2allAfrica.com+2
Names like Adaw Abdi Mohammed, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Nur, Ibrahim Gabow, and Abdi Hassan Suraw have become symbols of resilience. Despite trauma, displacement, family worry, and financial strain, they returned to service. Their stories remind us of what public service often demands in Kenya’s border regions. Citizen Digital+1
Murkomen, speaking at Elwak during a government security outreach forum, extended an apology to the chiefs, pledged both honour and support—emotional, financial and security-wise—and emphasized community cooperation in their release. K24 Digital+1
The upcoming Head of State Commendation is more than a decoration—it is national validation of sacrifice. As Kenya grapples with insecurity in frontier areas, recognizing those who carry the burden of governance under threat becomes part of healing and unity.
