Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet. Photo/ FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 9 – Two police officers who were taken hostage by the Al Shabaab in May 2013 following an attack in Damajale AP Post in Garissa County have been rescued.
Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet says the two officers, AP Constables Joseph Wambugu and Fredrick Chirchir were rescued on June 25, 2015 and are in good health.
“Upon their rescue they were taken for extensive medical and health examination, where they were found to be in good health but traumatised. They have been subjected to a recovery process and trauma counselling and our medical personnel have certified them to be in fair state of health,” he added.
He says following their kidnapping, the officers were taken to Jilib area in Somalia and had since remained in captivity being moved from one Al Shabaab hideout to another.
“Al Shabaab wanted to know what happens in the police forces in Kenya; what ammunition Kenya Police have among other things. I want to convey my sincere gratitude and that of the National Police Service fraternity to all officers from several security agencies who undertook this rescue mission,” Boinnet added but declined to give details of how and where they were rescued, citing security reasons.
He urged Kenyans to be watchful as Al Shabaab terrorists are still determined to stage attacks during this Holy month of Ramadhan.
“We wish to appeal to all for extra vigilance, particularly owners of high-rise buildings with basement parking to thoroughly vet all motorists seeking to access their premises, all in-keepers and operators of restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and similar public establishments should put in place the necessary security safeguards, ” he added.
The militants have stepped up their attacks which include the latest Mandera incident where 14 people were killed on Tuesday morning.
READ: Government evacuates Mandera village after attack
In the group’s deadliest attack to date, four gunmen killed 148 people, mostly students, at the Garissa University in early April.
In 2013, four Shabaab gunmen killed at least 67 people in an assault on the Westgate Mall in the capital Nairobi.
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