Kenya assures Cuban doctors of their security after Al Shabaab abduction

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Chairman of the Council of Governors in Kenya, Wycliffe Oparanya assured Cuban doctors working in the country of their safety, following the abduction of their two colleagues from Mandera on Friday.

Oparanya said the incident is isolated but assured that the government will step up their security as they serve in various hospitals across the 47 counties.

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry also said it was “constantly” in touch with the Cuban government over the abduction of two of its nationals—the two doctors—abducted from Mandera while headed to work.

The two doctors, who are part of a team of 100 sent to Kenya last year, were abducted on Friday morning by Al Shabaab terrorists, and taken to Somalia, in an incident that left one of two police officers escorting them killed.

“We have been reminded, again, of the evil machinations of international criminal networks. Two Cuban doctors were abducted in Mandera, while on their way to work and a security officer fatally injured,” said Monica Juma, the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, “Security agencies are engaged in the search and rescue mission to ensure safe return. We (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also in contact with the Government of Cuba.”

Earlier, Police Headquarters had announced that security forces were working with their Somalia counterparts in a bid to trace and rescue two Cuban doctors.

According to the National Police Service (NPS) headquarters, the approach is necessary since the attackers, suspected to be Al-Shabaab militants crossed into Somalia following the 9 am the incident.

“Our objective is to rescue the victims,” Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said in a statement.

An Administration Police officer who was among two escorting the doctors was killed during the incident that has raised fresh security concerns in the volatile region.

The two doctors, whose names have not been released, are part of a group of about 100 Cubans who came to Kenya last year to help boost health services.