The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) has addressed reports concerning the alleged captivity of its soldiers by Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, following a family’s plea for the government to secure their relative’s release.
The issue came to light after a video surfaced on social media showing Sergeant Abdullah Issa Ibrahim, who appealed for government intervention. The soldier, allegedly held captive since the January 15, 2016, attack on a KDF camp in El-Adde, Somalia, claims to have been captured along with other soldiers during the assault.
Before the attack, KDF had been part of a successful mission in Somalia under Operation Linda Nchi since 2011.
Sergeant Ibrahim’s family, who had given up hope and even conducted a burial ceremony in 2020, expressed mixed emotions upon seeing the video.
“I’ve been depressed and confused for the past eight years,” said his daughter, Ketra Abdulahi Issa. “When I saw the video, I felt relieved but also anxious about how we can bring him back home. We sincerely beg Kenyans and the president to help us reunite with him.”
Ketra recounted receiving a strange phone call from Somalia a month ago, during which the caller identified himself as her father. After confirming personal family details, she requested video evidence, which eventually arrived.
“After seeing the video, friends, neighbors, and relatives came streaming to our home in Eldoret,” she said.
The family had earlier obtained a presumption of death certificate from KDF in December 2020, believing Ibrahim had perished in the El-Adde attack.
KDF’s Statement
In response to the videos, KDF’s Strategic Communication office issued a statement on January 16, noting ongoing efforts to ascertain the status and whereabouts of unaccounted-for soldiers.
“We are aware of videos circulating on social media showing alleged interviews with KDF soldiers reportedly captured during the 2016 El-Adde attack,” the statement read. “While the authenticity of the clips remains unverified, efforts to confirm the status of these soldiers have been ongoing.”
KDF emphasized its commitment to supporting the families of affected soldiers through regular updates and assistance.
In addition to Sergeant Ibrahim’s video, Al-Shabaab’s propaganda wing released another clip featuring Kenyan soldier Garison Wanyonyi Wasike from Trans Nzoia County, who made a similar appeal for intervention.
KDF reiterated that it would continue working to provide clarity and ensure the welfare of its personnel and their families, despite the complexities of the situation.
